As part of efforts to intensify the fight against illegal mining, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has initiated a sweeping reshuffle affecting 34 police commanders in regions heavily affected by galamsey.
According to top police sources, this marks the first phase of a broader restructuring aimed at injecting new energy and leadership into the campaign against illegal mining. More transfers are expected in the coming weeks.
Key Affected Areas
The reshuffle targets commands in some of the country’s most galamsey-prone regions, including:
- Western Region: Takoradi, Asankragwa, Tarkwa, Mpohor, Essiama, Elubo, Nsuaem, Daboase, Agona Nkwanta, Prestea, Sekondi, Shama
- Ashanti Region: Nkawie, Bekwai, Mile 7, James Town
- Eastern Region: Anyinam, Nsawam
- Northern Region: Yendi, Tolon, Gushiegu, Wulensi, Tatale
- Volta Region: Dzodze, Kpando, Aveyime
- Upper East Region: Navrongo, Bolga
- Upper West Region: Nadowli, Funsi, Gwollu
- Central Region: Dawurampong, Manso Amenfi
Notable Transfers
- ACP Jonathan A. Lamptey moves from Gambaga to head the Takoradi Divisional Command.
- ACP Thomas Osei Ababio transfers from Asankragwa to lead the Yendi Division.
- ACP Raymond Kofi Erzuah leaves Tarkwa for Kpando.
- C/Supt Ebenezer Benson moves from Nsawam to Dawurampong.
- C/Supt Vitus Napen heads from Nkawie to Asankragwa.
- Supt Stephen Appiah shifts from Essiama to Nsawam.
- Supt Kwaku Ayepa, formerly at the Western Regional Command, takes over the Bolga District.
- Supt Simon Woyram Setorglo is reassigned from Prestea to the Police Headquarters for a logistics role.
The reshuffle also sees multiple inter-regional movements of officers across ranks, including Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents (DSPs), and Assistant Superintendents (ASPs), ensuring new oversight in strategically sensitive districts.
A Broader Agenda
The reshuffle comes in fulfillment of the IGP’s vow to wage a sustained battle against illegal mining and its associated criminal networks.
Police insiders emphasize that the changes are not only about geography but also about performance, discipline, and operational impact.
As the next phase of the restructuring unfolds, the Ghana Police Service is expected to issue further updates and potentially evaluate the results of the reshuffle in terms of on-the-ground impact on illegal mining operations.
