The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has initiated a major reshuffle involving 34 police commanders across the country’s illegal mining-prone regions.
The transfers, which insiders confirm are the first phase of a broader, ongoing shake-up, are part of the IGP’s renewed commitment to inject fresh energy into the fight against the menace, which continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment and water bodies.
According to top-level police sources who spoke to the Daily Graphic, more reshuffles are expected in the coming weeks as the Police Administration intensifies efforts to sanitize the most affected regions.
Affected commands span key galamsey zones including the Western, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions — notably Takoradi, Asankragwa, Tarkwa, Nkawie, Bekwai, Anyinam, and Nsawam.
Among the notable changes:
- ACP Jonathan A. Lamptey of the Gambaga Divisional Command now heads the Takoradi Divisional Command.
- ACP Thomas Osei Ababio moves from Asankragwa to lead the Yendi Divisional Command.
- ACP Raymond Kofi Erzuah transfers from Tarkwa to Kpando.
- ACP Samuel Yeboah moves from Kpando to Essiama.
- ACP Samuel Stephen Okunor shifts from the Northern Regional Headquarters to the Bekwai Divisional Command.
Chief Superintendent Ebenezer Benson takes over at Dawurampong after serving in Nsawam, while Chief Superintendent Vitus Napen, formerly at Nkawie, assumes command in Asankragwa. Chief Superintendent Mahmud Yussif transitions from the Regional MTTD in the Northern Region to head Tarkwa.
Other strategic reassignments include:
- Chief Superintendent Daniel Anane Amoah to Navrongo.
- Chief Superintendent William Gyamfi to Dzodze.
- Chief Superintendent Joshua Semenyo to Nkawie.
- Superintendent Stephen Appiah to Nsawam.
- Superintendent Kwaku Ayepa to Bolgatanga.
- Superintendent Valentine Akposu to Gushiegu.
- Superintendent Alexander Tieku to Anyinam.
- Superintendent Simon Setorglo, formerly of Prestea, now heads Logistics at the Police Headquarters.
- Superintendent Angmorter Van-Kofi Eric returns to Mpohor.
In the Upper West Region, Superintendent Isaac Kofi Kumnipah takes over at Nadowli, with Superintendent James Ankan moving to Asankragwa. Superintendent Fred Ntore Atta-Yeboah now leads Funsi.
Several district commanders across the Northern, Eastern, Volta, and Central Regions have also been reassigned. These include:
- Superintendent Amoani Anoff William to Tolon.
- Superintendent Mohammed Adamu Awal to Tatale.
- Superintendent Cliff Ofei Ayeh to Essiama.
- Superintendent Emmanuel Kobina Essel to Prestea.
Additional transfers:
- Superintendent Raymond Iddrisu to Aveyime.
- DSP Peter Paul Amoah to Elubo.
- DSP Franklin K. Selby to Gwollu.
- DSP Gladstone Kumeko to Nsuaem.
- DSP Salifu Yahya to Daboase.
- DSP Thomas Tulasi to Agona Nkwanta.
- DSP Victor Akakpo to Manso Amenfi.
- DSP Anthony Duodu to Wulensi.
- ASP Sulemana Abubakari to Sekondi.
- ASP Kwaku Obeng to Eastern Regional Police Headquarters.
This strategic redeployment signals a no-nonsense approach by the Police Administration under IGP Yohuno, who has vowed to take the battle against galamsey to a new level.
“The fight against illegal mining requires not only strong policies but strong leadership at the local level,” a senior police official told Daily Graphic. “This reshuffle is about positioning the right people where they can make the most impact.”
