In a bold move, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has declared war on crimes related to illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
This declaration was made during the Regional Police Commander’s Conference held at the National Headquarters on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The IGP’s declaration is a response to the growing concern over the security risks posed by illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and mining communities.
“We are declaring war on crimes related to illegal mining, and I expect every Regional Commander to take decisive action to bring perpetrators to justice,” IGP Yohuno stated.
Yohuno emphasized that the Police Service will not tolerate any form of lawlessness, especially in regions like the Western North, where armed criminals have carried out brutal attacks on innocent people, including forest guards.
“This lawlessness must not be allowed to continue. We will take all necessary measures to ensure that those involved in illegal mining are brought to justice,” he warned.
The IGP also highlighted the prolonged conflict in Bawku, which has profound national security implications.
“As law enforcement officers, we must restore lasting peace in the area… We must apply our expertise to unite feuding factions and end this long-standing dispute,” he said.
Furthermore, Yohuno expressed concern about the growing security threat of violent attacks on mobile money vendors.
“We must adopt innovative crime-fighting strategies and countermeasures to end these heinous acts… Criminals constantly seek ways to stay ahead of law enforcement, but we must be proactive in outmanoeuvring them,” he noted.
The IGP also addressed public perception issues that undermine the Police Service, such as corruption, police intimidation, and excessive use of force.
“These issues directly affect the service’s credibility and cannot be tolerated… I urge all Regional Commanders to take deliberate steps to address them and uphold the reputation of our Institution,” he stated.
In addition, IGP Yohuno emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of police officers, including medical care, accommodation, and working conditions.
“A motivated workforce is essential for achieving our security objectives,” he said.
The IGP urged all police officers to remain committed to serving the people of Ghana with dedication and integrity.
“Our nation relies on us to maintain peace and security. We must rise to the occasion and fulfil our mandate with excellence,” he said.
However, the Police Service has assured the public that it will take all necessary measures to ensure that those involved in illegal mining and other crimes are brought to justice.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
