The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has praised the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his decisive and unyielding efforts in the fight against illegal mining, locally known as “Galamsey”.
The commendation came during the 17th Regional Commanders Conference of the Ghana Police Service, held in Accra on Friday.
Addressing senior officers, security stakeholders and the media, Minister Muntaka hailed the IGP’s leadership in spearheading nationwide operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks that continue to pose grave environmental and security threats to Ghana.
“Let me begin by offering my sincere congratulations to the IGP, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for his tireless and courageous efforts in confronting one of the greatest threats to our environment and national stability – illegal mining,” the Minister declared, adding “You have shown that the Ghana Police Service is not only a law enforcer but a true custodian of our national interest.”
In a bold policy announcement, the Minister for the Interior revealed that all mining equipment must be registered by July 31, 2025. Any unregistered machinery found after this deadline will be confiscated.
This directive follows findings from a recent police-led operation in which 135 pieces of heavy equipment were seized – 99% of which were unregistered.
“We are giving this instruction not just for regulation, but as a national security measure. We must clear our forests of illegal equipment,” the Minister for the Interior stressed, urging police leadership to enforce the order without fear or favour.
Spare no One
In an extraordinary declaration of political will, Minister Muntaka vowed that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or status, will be shielded from the law in the fight against illegal mining.
“If anyone calls you to interfere with law enforcement, arrest them. Even if they say I sent them, arrest them. The President has made it clear: nobody is exempt—not me, not anyone in government. You have our full backing.”
Turning to electoral matters, Muntaka expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of prosecuting perpetrators of violence from the 2020 and 2024 elections. He tasked the IGP and his legal directorate to begin prosecutions swiftly.
“Let us show the world that Ghana does not tolerate electoral violence. Go through the footage, identify the perpetrators, and prosecute them,” he said.
Ahead of the by-election in Akwatia, the Minister called for enhanced preparedness and announced plans to establish a dedicated Electoral Security Policy Task Force.
Police Welfare, Equipment, and Reform
Muntaka also touched on broader policing reforms, revealing that government has allocated GH₵1 billion to improve logistics, accommodation, training, and healthcare for the security services.
He reminded officers that police protection was a legal privilege, not a personal favour, warning that any personnel found offering unauthorized VIP services will face disciplinary action. “The Police Service must not only be incorruptible, but seen to be so,” he asserted.
IGP Highlights Progress and International Collaborations
In his response, IGP Yohuno thanked the Minister and the government for their support, highlighting recent police achievements including the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of robbery gangs, and successful operations against illegal mining syndicates.
IGP Yohuno confirmed that 59 suspects have been arrested in Galamsey-related cases in the Ashanti and Western regions, with significant quantities of unlicensed equipment and weapons recovered.
“This is not just about enforcement; it’s about preserving our environment and securing a sustainable future for our children,” the IGP said.
He also emphasised improvements in intelligence gathering, community policing and international cooperation – with partnerships including Interpol and the Nigerian police yielding critical results.
Both the Minister and the IGP addressed rising armed robbery incidents, outlining new strategies such as predictive policing, drone surveillance, rapid response units and better community partnerships.
Officer morale, welfare and equitable deployment of new recruits were also emphasized as pillars of sustainable reform.
The IGP concluded by urging all regional commanders to remain professional and uphold the highest standards of service.
“As leaders of this administration, we must commit to deeper collaboration with the judiciary, civil society and our communities. We owe it to the people we serve,” IGP Yohuno affirmed.
