In a bold move to intensify efforts against illegal mining (galamsey), Ghana’s Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately transfer all police commanders stationed in mining regions across the country.
The decision, announced during a meeting with Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, is aimed at addressing the persistent challenges posed by illegal mining, which has been a major environmental and security concern. Minister Mubarak explained that the action was necessary because some commanders who have been in these areas for extended periods have failed to make significant progress in curbing the illegal activities.
“I have instructed the IGP to replace all police commanders in mining areas with immediate effect,” Mubarak stated. “We need fresh leadership to tackle galamsey more effectively. Those who have been serving in these regions for too long without delivering results will be reassigned, while new commanders will be given a probationary period of three months to prove their worth.”
Under the new policy, any police commanders serving in mining areas will be rotated, with their replacements taking up a three-month probation period. If the new appointees fail to deliver on the fight against illegal mining, they will also be reassigned. Mubarak assured that the government would continue this practice until tangible results are achieved.
Despite potential pushback from some police officers, Mubarak stood firm on his commitment to the directive, emphasizing that the fight against galamsey must take precedence in order to protect the country’s environment and resources.
