The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, has instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately reassign all regional, divisional, and district police commanders stationed in areas affected by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
According to the minister, this directive aims to remove officers who have remained in mining zones for extended periods without making significant progress in curbing illegal mining activities.
He stressed that the move is part of a broader strategy to intensify the crackdown on galamsey and ensure effective law enforcement.
Under the new policy, affected commanders will be transferred to areas with no mining operations, while their replacements will undergo a three-month probationary period.
Officers who fail to demonstrate effectiveness in tackling illegal mining within this timeframe will also face reassignment.
Speaking at a gathering of Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, Alhaji Muntaka reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the directive despite pressure on the IGP to reconsider the decision.
“I have directed the IGP to transfer all police commanders stationed in mining areas and replace them with new officers. Any new commander who does not show results within three months will also be transferred. We will continue making changes until we achieve the desired impact,” he stated.
The directive highlights the government’s renewed commitment to strengthening law enforcement efforts against illegal mining, which continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and water resources.
Source: www.starrfm.com.gh / Isaac Justice Bediako
