–BY Daniel Bampoe
In a decisive effort to reinvigorate the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, the Ghana Police Service has begun a sweeping reshuffle of its commanders in mining-prone regions across the country.
This action follows a firm directive issued by the Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, and is being executed under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
The reshuffle affects key Police Commands, including Regional Commanders,divisional and district leaders in areas with heavy galamsey activity—particularly within the Eastern South, Central North, Ashanti, Western, and Western North Police Regions.
The IGP, who recently pledged to lead an unrelenting war against illegal mining, is overseeing what is being described as the first phase of a larger reshuffle campaign aimed at injecting “fresh energy” into the security apparatus tasked with environmental protection.
Speaking during a meeting with Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi earlier this month, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak declared: “I have ordered the IGP to transfer all police commanders in all mining areas and send in new ones.”
He explained that the measure was necessary due to the longstanding ineffectiveness of some officers who had remained in galamsey zones without making significant progress.
“The new ones we are taking there will be transferred after three months if they don’t perform. We will keep making changes till we see results,” the minister added, signaling a new zero-tolerance approach to underperformance in the security sector’s fight against illegal mining.
This move comes at a time when the government is under increasing pressure from environmental activists, community leaders, and civil society organizations to demonstrate tangible progress in its anti-galamsey campaign.
The destruction of forests, pollution of major water bodies, and displacement of local communities continue to raise public outcry.
Coinciding with the reshuffle, the Ghana Police Service has also recorded significant operational success in the Western Region.
A four-day intelligence-led anti-galamsey operation, which began on April 17, 2025, within the Samreboi enclave, has led to the arrest of 47 suspects—comprising 39 Ghanaians and 8 Chinese nationals, including four women—engaged in illegal mining activities along the Tano River and in the Aboi, Subri, and Nimiri forests.
Recovered from the scene were 17 excavators, a bulldozer, four motorbikes, three vehicles (including a Rav4 and two Toyota Hilux pickups), eight pumping machines, four pump action guns, a single-barrel gun, and 54 live BB cartridges.
“All the suspects are in custody and will be taken through the due process of the law,” the Police confirmed in a statement.
Police Transfer List
In a sweeping move, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno reshuffling list has affected the transfer of over 70 senior and junior police officers from mining-prone areas across the country.
This high-level reshuffle, described as the first phase, impacts police commands, particularly in the Eastern South, Western, and Western North regions.
The Police Administration says it seeks to “inject fresh energy” into the effort to clamp down on illegal mining operations.
Commanders Affected in the Shake-Up
Among the notable transfers are: DCOP Frank Abrokwa, previously Deputy Director-General of the CID, is now Director of Legal at the National Headquarters.
ACP God-Act Dodzi Hlordzi, formerly at Asiama Division in the Western Region, has been moved as Second-in-Command (2i/c) of the Western North Region.
ACP Solomon Aboninga Ayawine moves from CID Administration to D-DG/CID.
ACP F. Dzineku, formerly in charge at Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Central North Region, is reassigned to 2i/c Ashanti Region.
ACP Jonathan A. Lamptey, previously at Gambaga, moves to Navrongo Division in the Upper East Region.
ACP Reynolds Manteaw, from Ashanti Region’s Inspection Unit, heads to National Headquarters.
ACP Samuel Stephen Okuntor, formerly commanding CD Tamale in the Northern Region, is also heading to National Headquarters.
ACP Daniel O. Asirifi from Fendi Division is now i/c Tepa Division in the Ashanti Region.
ACP Daniel Jeffrey Darko is moved from Dawurampong Division to Oda Division in the Eastern South Region.
ACP Rev. Dr. Samuel N. Adane-Aweya is transferred from the Oda Division to the Asokwa Division in Ashanti.
Other notable shifts include ACP Yahya Muchiraru, ACP Emmanuel Nana Amoah, and several Chief Superintendents like James O. Acheampong (to CIQ Headquarters), Simon Agyenin Boateng (to Police Hospital), and Emmanuel O. Agbogah (to DLEU CID Headquarters).
A total of over 50 ASPs, DSPs, and Superintendents have also been reassigned.
This includes: Supt. Charles Addai-Boateng is now heading to Sefwi Asawinso District from Twifo Praso.
Supt. Emmanuel Kobina Essel moved from Asesewa to Logistics at National Headquarters.
ASP Henry Bilson was reassigned from Regional HQ (WNR) to Operations at Bibiani Division.
ASP Emelia Owusu Ansah and ASP Richard Dotsey Gabblah are among several others shifted into key administrative or operational roles.
A Message of Accountability
The reshuffle follows months of criticism regarding the police’s lack of effectiveness in mining communities.
The reshuffling exercise is expected to continue in the coming weeks as the Police Administration rolls out additional changes under the directive.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
