The Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed, has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for what he described as “tireless and courageous” efforts in confronting the threat of illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—and called on all security agencies and citizens to rally behind the Police Service.
Delivering the keynote address at the 17th Regional Commanders Conference of the Ghana Police Service in Accra, the Interior Minister said the IGP’s “unrelenting drive to dismantle this destructive menace” has demonstrated that the Police Service is not only an enforcer of law but also a “custodian of the national interest.”
“Let me begin by offering my sincere congratulations to the Inspector General of Police for his courageous effort in confronting one of the gravest threats to our environment and national stability—illegal mining,” Hon. Muntaka said.
He revealed that the government has given mining companies until July 2025 to register their earth-moving equipment or risk confiscation.
“If we can get these heavy machines off our forests, even those funding the devastation from afar will be restrained,” the Minister warned.
He directed all regional commanders to strictly enforce this directive, and emphasized that the crackdown will be non-negotiable:
“The President has instructed that this fight will exempt no one—not even me as your minister. If anyone calls in my name to interfere with an operation, arrest them. I give you my full backing.”
Hon. Muntaka called for the Ghana Police Service to act without fear or favour:
“Deal with everyone within the confines of the law. We will not allow a few individuals to stain the name of the party or government.”
Election Security and Accountability for Past Violence
Addressing growing concerns about electoral violence, the Minister described recent reruns and the 2020 and 2024 elections as “teachable moments” that exposed operational gaps.
“We expect the IGP to begin prosecutions related to election violence without delay. Where collaboration with the Ministry of Justice is needed, let us move swiftly and decisively,” he urged.
He tasked the IGP to establish a dedicated Electoral Security Monitoring Task Force ahead of the Akwatia by-election and said officers must be deployed in adequate numbers with proper briefings to prevent and contain violence.
“Security services must operate with neutrality, professionalism, and rapid response capability. Let us redeem past lapses and reaffirm our democratic legacy.”
Armed Robbery and Rising Insecurity
The Minister also raised the alarm over rising armed robbery cases across Ghana—from highway robberies in the North to coordinated urban attacks in the South—and urged the Police to adopt intelligence-led and technologically advanced strategies.
Proposed strategies included:
Predictive policing using data and crime mapping,
Revival of community policing partnerships,
Tactical operations against organized syndicates,
CCTV and drone surveillance,
Better regional response capacity using helicopters, motorbikes, and armored vehicles.
“Security is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of justice, safety, and opportunity,” he said.
Discipline, VIP Protection, and Morale
The Interior Minister issued a stern warning against officers providing unauthorized VIP protection services, emphasizing that security protection is “a privilege governed by law, not a commodity for private gain.”
“Any officer found engaging in unauthorized protection without proper approval will face disciplinary action,” he said.
He also directed the IGP to audit all VIP protection arrangements for compliance.
On police welfare, Hon. Muntaka stressed that morale must be a top priority:
“A well-motivated officer is the best line of defense. We will improve healthcare, accommodation, and logistical support.”
Equity in Recruitment and Deployment
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to regional equity in police recruitment, the Minister assured commanders that newly passed-out recruits will be deployed based on operational need and fairness.
“Every region, district, and operational zone will receive its fair share. Let us train and mentor them with integrity.”
GHS 1 Billion Security Re-Tooling Fund
The Minister announced a landmark GHS 1 billion retooling fund for security services under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
He said the Police Service will receive a significant share to invest in equipment, logistics, technology, training, and accommodation.
“It is our collective duty to ensure that these resources are used efficiently and transparently to improve national security outcomes,” he noted.
He also expressed gratitude to the Police Administration for its support of the Mahama Care initiative, particularly in crowd control, logistics, and community health outreach.
