Policeman Drowns in River Offin During Anti-Galamsey Operation in Central Region

 

A tragic incident occurred in the Central Region as a policeman lost his life during an anti-galamsey operation at Assin Asaman. The officer identified as Constable John Kwabena Dogbe drowned in the River Offin on the morning of Wednesday, April 3, 2025.

The operation was led by the Central North Regional Police Command as part of efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey) which has been devastating the environment by destroying land and polluting water bodies.

Sources indicate that upon spotting the police team suspected illegal miners fled across the river abandoning their equipment. In an attempt to destroy the mining tools, including changfang machines and water pumps, Constable Dogbe accidentally slipped and drowned.

His body was retrieved four hours later after an intensive search by his colleagues and local rescue teams.

The illegal mining menace has led to the severe pollution of major rivers, including the Offin, Pra, and Ankobra. These operations not only threaten water security but also pose health risks to nearby communities.

Authorities have stepped up efforts to curb the crisis, with regular swoops and arrests of illegal miners. However, this tragic loss underscores the dangerous conditions under which law enforcement officers operate in their bid to protect Ghana’s natural resources.

Following the news of Constable Dogbe’s passing, many Ghanaians have expressed condolences and called for better safety measures for officers deployed in such high-risk operations.

The Central North Regional Police Command has assured that full support will be provided to the family of the deceased and that investigations will be conducted into the incident.

This tragic event highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement against illegal mining while ensuring that security personnel are equipped with the necessary safety measures to prevent future tragedies.