The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has restated the Ghana Police Service’s unwavering commitment to breaking down violent crime syndicates, protecting the country’s natural environment, and reinforcing national security through intelligence-driven strategies and international cooperation.
Speaking at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference held in Accra, Mr. Yohuno said recent operations by the Police Service had resulted in the rescue of Ghanaians who were abducted, the capture of violent criminal elements, and the retrieval of more than 100 excavators used in unauthorized mining activities.
According to him, law enforcement operations have gone beyond traditional policing to incorporate targeted, intelligence-based responses designed to counter organized criminal groups and address threats to national stability.
He stated that collaborative interventions had successfully dismantled some of these networks, leading to the rescue of individuals trafficked to Nigeria and the seizure of heavy-duty equipment associated with illegal mining.
Mr. Yohuno outlined coordinated exercises across the Western, Ashanti, Eastern, and Upper West regions, describing them as examples of the Ghana Police Service’s enhanced focus on collaboration and innovation.
He emphasized the need for all commands to work more closely, share intelligence, and adopt adaptive strategies to respond to evolving criminal trends.
He also addressed incidents of electoral violence under current investigation and provided assurances that internal accountability systems are functioning.
The IGP emphasized that officers found culpable of misconduct would face the consequences, noting that several had already been interdicted.
He stressed that the Police Service would not tolerate unprofessional behavior, regardless of rank or assignment.
In recounting operational achievements in recent months, Mr. Yohuno mentioned a series of successful interventions that have helped to curb serious crime.
These included the rescue of two Ghanaian women kidnapped and trafficked across international borders, the arrest of individuals involved in armed robberies targeting mobile money agents, and the apprehension of a suspect in the murder of a Lebanese businessman.
He further revealed that the Police had foiled a planned robbery targeting a mining firm through proactive measures.
On the issue of environmental crime, Mr. Yohuno noted that significant gains had been made in the clampdown on illegal mining.
He reported that 106 excavators had been impounded during recent field operations. Fifty-nine individuals have been prosecuted in connection with illegal mining activities, with 23 cases currently active in court.
He described these interventions as part of broader efforts to preserve public health, protect vital ecosystems, and uphold the rule of law in mining communities.
