A tragic incident occurred in the Central Region, where a police officer lost his life while taking part in an operation against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
According to reports from Graphic Online’s Central Regional correspondent, Shirley Asiedu-Addo, Constable John Kwabena Dogbe drowned in the Offin River near Assin Asaman on Wednesday morning. His body was discovered after an extensive four-hour search.
The operation, led by the Central North Regional Police Command, aimed to crack down on the growing problem of illegal mining, which continues to devastate the environment by polluting rivers and destroying land.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that upon noticing the approaching officers, the illegal miners fled across the river to escape arrest. While attempting to seize and destroy mining equipment—including a changfang machine and water pumps—Constable Dogbe tragically slipped and fell into the river, leading to his drowning.
Authorities continue to intensify efforts to tackle galamsey activities in the region, as the illegal practice remains a serious environmental threat.
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