Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has announced a nationwide operation to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Regional Command Conference at the Police Headquarters on Friday, March 21, 2025, IGP Yohuno underscored the serious security threats posed by illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and mining communities.
He expressed concern over rising criminal activities in galamsey-prone areas, citing cases in Western North, where armed criminals have attacked civilians and forest guards.
“Illegal mining poses a security risk, particularly in our forest reserves and mining communities. In regions like Western North, armed criminals have carried out brutal attacks on innocent people, including forest guards, without justification,” he stated.
The IGP issued a firm directive to regional commanders across the country, urging them to take decisive action in arresting and prosecuting individuals engaged in galamsey-related crimes.