By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has transferred 34 police commanders in areas affected by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, as part of his renewed efforts to stop the practice across Ghana.
This move is the first part of a broader reshuffle aimed at bringing new energy into the ongoing campaign against illegal mining. According to Graphic online police sources confirmed that more changes are expected in the coming weeks.
The reshuffle affects police commands in the Western, Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Upper East, Upper West, and Northern regions — all areas known for illegal mining activities.
Some Key Transfers:
ACP Jonathan A. Lamptey, formerly in Gambaga, now heads the Takoradi Divisional Command.
ACP Thomas Osei Ababio moves from Asankragwa to Yendi in the Northern Region.
ACP Raymond Kofi Erzuah, formerly in Tarkwa, is now in charge at Kpando.
ACP Samuel Yeboah goes from Kpando to Essiama in the Western Region.
C/Supt Ebenezer Benson leaves Nsawam for Dawurampong in the Central Region.
Other changes include:
C/Supt Vitus Napen moves from Nkawie to Asankragwa.
C/Supt Mahmud Yussif leaves the Northern Region’s MTTD for Tarkwa.
C/Supt Daniel Anane Amoah is transferred from Takoradi to Navrongo.
C/Supt William Gyamfi moves from Mpohor to Dzodze.
C/Supt Joshua Semenyo takes over Nkawie after leaving Takoradi District.
Also,
Supt Stephen Appiah now leads the Nsawam District after serving in Essiama.
Supt Kwaku Ayepa goes from the Western Regional Office to Bolga.
Supt Alexander Tieku, formerly in James Town, now leads Anyinam District.
Supt Simon Woyram Setorglo has been moved to the Police Headquarters to handle Logistics.
There were several other district-level transfers, including:
Supt Raymond Iddrisu from Anyinam to Aveyime,
DSP Peter Paul Amoah from Tatale to Elubo,
DSP Franklin K. Selby from Manso Amenfi to Gwollu,
DSP Gladstone Kumeko from Tolon to Nsuaem,
DSP Salifu Yahya from Wulensi to Daboase.
In total, the reshuffle involved officers from across Ghana, all strategically moved to strengthen the security forces’ ability to respond to illegal mining and related crimes.
The Police Administration says these changes are part of a strategy to ensure officers in mining communities work with integrity and commitment, supporting national efforts to protect the environment and natural resources.
The reshuffle has been welcomed by many as a sign of the IGP’s strong stance on ending illegal mining, which has caused widespread environmental damage, especially to rivers and forests in affected regions.
