A communications team member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region, Isaac Ayemvoah, has defended the president’s decision to approve a two-year contract extension for Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, arguing that ongoing gains in the fight against illegal mining justify the move.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayemvoah maintained that the current administration has strengthened the campaign against galamsey compared to previous years. He noted that security operations under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) now involve clearing illegal miners from forest reserves and maintaining a permanent security presence in those reclaimed areas—a strategy he described as a key improvement from the past. He added that nine forests have so far been secured, with continuous monitoring to prevent miners from returning.
Mr. Ayemvoah referenced recent internal briefings which, according to him, indicated improvements in water turbidity levels in affected communities, suggesting that efforts to restore water bodies are yielding results.
“The last briefing on our fight against galamsey showed that the turbidity levels of the water bodies were improving,” he said, adding that past challenges with contaminated water were largely tied to harmful chemicals used by illegal miners. This triggered the need for a “dechemicalisation” exercise, which previously generated public discussion.
He credited the IGP and his team for contributing significantly to these improvements, emphasizing that their approach has ensured that operations continue without fear or favour. According to him, the consistency and discipline demonstrated in anti-galamsey operations have made the IGP a valuable asset, whose expertise younger officers are still learning from.
Mr. Ayemvoah argued that extending the IGP’s tenure is part of a deliberate effort to ensure the systematic grooming of future police leaders rather than rushing transitions. He stressed that the decision was guided by the need to maintain momentum in national security and environmental protection efforts, especially as younger officers prepare to assume higher responsibilities.
“Apart from that, the skill needed to prepare younger officers to take over is what we’re focused on. This is not being done capriciously, and this is exactly what we are doing,” he said.
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
