PHOTO: IGP COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno
The fight against illegal mining—locally referred to as galamsey—has seen renewed intensity under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno. In line with directives from the Presidency, the IGP has constituted Special Anti-Galamsey Operations Teams to combat the growing menace, which continues to degrade water bodies, forest reserves, and fertile land across the country.
As part of this effort, the IGP recently deployed three tactical teams to identify galamsey hotspots in the Ashanti Region: the Manso Adubia jurisdiction, Diaso, and the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality. These deployments form part of a broader nationwide crackdown on illegal mining.
The Manso Adubia jurisdiction—comprising areas such as Manso Datano, Manso Tontokrom, Manso Watreso, Manso Odaho, Manso Asuadai, and Mpatasie—has been identified as a critical flashpoint for illegal mining. Security personnel operating in these areas report increased hostility from some local miners, many of whom are armed under the pretext of protecting their concessions from criminals. In reality, some of these weapons have been used to target law enforcement officers during patrols.
In the past six weeks, the Special Anti-Galamsey teams have encountered fierce resistance from sections of the community. Reports indicate that certain opinion leaders, and in some cases political actors, have incited residents—particularly the youth—to confront police officers, resulting in several volatile and life-threatening incidents. In some encounters, police have had to fire warning shots after coming under attack by residents wielding stones and pump-action rifles.
Despite these challenges, the operations—coordinated by DSP Karim Mahama, ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, and ASP Justice Sarpong from the National Police Headquarters—have succeeded in disrupting illegal mining operations across the affected areas.
The Police Service has stressed the need for sustained operations, community engagement, intelligence-led interventions, and increased logistical support to consolidate the gains made so far.
Security analysts and environmental campaigners have commended the Police Administration’s commitment, while calling for broader collaboration with chiefs, political leaders, and local stakeholders to ensure long-term success.
With the IGP’s firm stance and direct oversight, the fight against illegal mining in the Ashanti Region appears to be entering a new and more assertive phase.
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