Police officer drowns during anti-galamsey operation

A tragic incident has occurred in the Central Region as a policeman drowns during an anti-galamsey operation at Assin Asaman, a community situated along the River Offin.

Officer Identified as Constable John Kwabena Dogbe

The officer has been identified as Constable John Kwabena Dogbe. Reports indicate that he drowned on Wednesday morning during a swoop carried out by the Central North Regional Police Command as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the region.

Body Retrieved After Four-Hour Search

According to reports, Constable Dogbe’s body was retrieved from the river after a four-hour search. The search was launched immediately after he went missing during the operation.

Illegal Miners Fled Upon Police Arrival

Sources revealed that the police team met resistance as suspected illegal miners fled upon sighting the officers, running to the opposite bank of the river. The operation aimed to seize and destroy equipment used in the illegal activity, including changfang machines and water pumps.

Tragic Slip During Equipment Seizure

It is believed that in the process of evacuating and destroying the illegal mining equipment, Constable Dogbe slipped and fell into the river, leading to his unfortunate death by drowning.

Galamsey Continues to Devastate the Environment

Illegal mining remains a serious environmental threat in the Central Region and across Ghana, causing pollution of water bodies like the Offin River and degrading large areas of land. The police swoop forms part of heightened national efforts to clamp down on galamsey operations.