News
Compromised police officers have been replaced to strengthen fight against illegal mining – IGP Yohuno reveals*
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has announced that some police officers who were believed to have compromised their positions in the fight against illegal mining have been removed and replaced with energetic and disciplined ones.
In an interview on UTV’s Mpu Ne Mpu, he explained that the Ghana Police Service was taking strong steps to win the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”.
He said some officers who had stayed too long in galamsey-prone areas had become less effective, and it was necessary to bring in new, energetic and committed officers.
“I made some changes. Some of them who have stayed there for long and have compromised their position because of this galamsey, the first thing I did was to bring in people who are really committed to work,” he mentioned.
He said the police began operations without waiting for support from any external body.
“We started work in the Western and Central Regions, particularly at the popular Akonta Mines, where they were able to retrieve over 100 excavators and other items used for illegal mining. Our forest reserves have been totally devastated. I kept my men there for more than two months to sanitize the place,” the IGP bemoaned.
He disclosed that so far, the police had retrieved at least 178 excavators across the country.
The IGP revealed that special police teams had been sent from Accra to areas in Ashanti Region to work on the ground for weeks, even though they faced resistance from some local residents who rely on mining for their livelihood.
Despite the challenges, the IGP said the police are determined to follow the President’s vision of protecting Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
He added that the police would continue to support the newly formed National Illegal Mining Oversight Structure (NIMOS), while also maintaining their own independent efforts against illegal mining.
“We will not stop. We are moving from region to region and making sure we fight crime and galamsey at the same time,” the IGP reiterated.
By Jacob Aggrey
News
Ashanti Regional REGSEC bans use of motorbikes after 7pm until further notice
The Ashanti Regional Co-ordinating Council has expressed its deep sorrow over the death of Alhaji Abdul-Malik Azenbge, the Chief of Kusaase, who was shot and killed at Asewase on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025.
In reaction to this tragic incident, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, 24th July 2025 to assess the situation and take immediate action to maintain peace in the region.
After the meeting, REGSEC announced that motorbikes would no longer be allowed on the roads after 7:00pm until further notice.
In a press release signed by the Ashanti regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene made it clear that the use of unlicensed motorbikes or those without lights was strictly prohibited.
Additionally, they ordered an immediate suspension of the inter-tribal football competition that was ongoing in the region.
Another measure announced was a temporary ban on motorbike riders wearing smocks. According to REGSEC, some individuals have been using smocks to hide weapons, and this posed a serious security threat.
To ensure public safety and prevent further violence, REGSEC said there would be a strong security presence in identified hotspot areas.
It indicated that both police officers and military personnel would be deployed to help protect lives and property.
The Council assured the public of the government’s firm commitment to maintaining law and order.
They noted that everything was being done to find and arrest those responsible for the killing of the chief.
They called on the general public to cooperate with security agencies and share any credible information that could help with investigations. REGSEC emphasized that they remain fully committed to their mandate of keeping the region safe and peaceful.
By Jacob Aggrey
News
Man jailed 20 years for killing wife
A 60-year-old man, Doe Fiano, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by an Accra High Court for shooting and killing his wife in front of their four-year-old child.
Fiano pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was also handed an additional 10- year sentence for possessing a firearm without lawful authority.
The sentences will run concurrently, as ruled by Justice Mrs Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie.
The tragic incident occurred following an argument sparked by a phone call the victim, Grace Yorke Torku, received from a male acquaintance.
In response, Fiano entered their bedroom, retrieved a pistol, and fatally shot her.
Originally charged with murder, Fiano opted to plead guilty to manslaughter under Section 296(1) of Act 30, thereby securing a reduced sentence.
His lawyer told the court the convict had no previous criminal record, had shown remorse, and was caring for the couple’s children.
The prosecution, however, called for a minimum sentence of 30 years, emphasising the emotional trauma inflicted on the four-year-old child who witnessed the killing.
It stated that what happened to the child had really affected him, also describing gunshot wounds to the victim’s head and genital area.
In sentencing, the judge took into account both aggravating and mitigating factors, including Fiano’s remorse, first-time offender status, and the need to care for his children.
According to the prosecution, the Assemblyman for Okomante electoral area, Gordon Tsimese, alerted police after the incident at Taaboo Line, where Fiano was reportedly wielding a weapon and threatening passers-by.
Upon arrival, police discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood.
The weapon was later recovered, and an empty magazine retrieved on a follow-up visit.
Fiano was arrested at Nii Amui Park at Ashaiman through police intelligence.
On June 6, 2023, a pathologist at Tema General Hospital confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds to the head, described as unnatural. —GNA
