The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, has issued a firm directive to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately transfer all Regional, Divisional, and District Police Commanders stationed in mining areas across the country.
This decisive move, according to the Minister, forms part of renewed efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey—which continues to devastate Ghana’s environment, particularly its forests and water bodies.
Speaking during an engagement with Imams and Zongo Chiefs in Kumasi, the Member of Parliament for Asawase emphasized the urgency of the decision. He stated that many of these commanders have overstayed their tenure in mining communities without making significant strides in curbing illegal mining activities.
“I have instructed the IGP to remove all police commanders currently serving in mining zones and replace them immediately,” Alhaji Muntaka declared. “If you’re a Regional, Divisional, or District Commander in a mining area, consider yourself reassigned.”
The Minister explained that the transferred officers will be redeployed to regions without mining operations, while newly appointed commanders will be put on a three-month probation. Their continued stay in these roles will be contingent on tangible results in the fight against galamsey.
“We will monitor the performance of every new commander closely. If after three months there is no clear improvement, they too will be replaced. We will keep rotating until we get the desired outcome,” he stressed.
Alhaji Muntaka also dismissed calls urging the government to soften its stance on the directive, reaffirming that the decision is non-negotiable. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and restoring order in mining communities.
“This directive sends a clear message: we are serious about ending illegal mining. The destruction of our rivers and lands must stop,” he concluded.
The bold directive signals a renewed government resolve to empower the security services in stamping out illegal mining operations that continue to threaten Ghana’s ecological integrity and long-term sustainability.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
