CSOs demand police commander's removal over arrest of Forestry officer combatting galamsey
The officer, a member of the Rapid Response Task Force, was reportedly assaulted and detained while attempting to prevent illegal mining near the Obuoho area.
A coalition of civil society organizations, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens has denounced the arrest of a Forestry Commission officer actively enforcing anti-illegal mining laws in the Atewa Forest.
In a statement released on March 7, 2025, the group condemned the incident as a blatant abuse of power that undermines the fight against illegal mining.
The officer, a member of the Rapid Response Task Force, was reportedly assaulted and detained while attempting to prevent illegal mining near the Obuoho area.
“This unjust arrest sets a dangerous precedent, where those safeguarding Ghana’s forests and water bodies are targeted, while illegal miners operate freely,” the coalition stated. They criticized the Kyebi Police for failing to clamp down on illegal mining yet acting swiftly against a public officer performing his duty.
The group called for urgent leadership changes within the Eastern Region’s security structure, citing a lack of enforcement against illegal mining. Specifically, they demanded the dismissal of Eastern-South Police Commander DCOP George Boadi Bossman and Divisional Police Commander ACP Reynolds Sam, accusing them of inaction against destroying the region’s natural resources.
“Communities and civil society groups have made repeated efforts to halt the pollution of the River Densu, River Birim, and other water bodies, yet illegal miners continue to operate unchecked,” the statement read.
The coalition stressed that without decisive leadership, illegal mining would persist, endangering livelihoods, water security, and environmental sustainability.
“We need dedicated officers who will enforce mining laws and restore order in Akyem Abuakwa and Atewa,” they concluded.
