Police probe death of officer who drowned during anti-galamsey operation in Offin River Source: Prince Adu-Owusu
The Ghana Police Service has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic death of one of its officers, Constable John Kwabena Dogbey.
Constable Dogbey lost his life after drowning in the Offin River on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, while participating in an anti-galamsey operation at Assin Domeabra in the Central Region. The operation was aimed at cracking down on illegal mining activities, which have been a major environmental and security concern in the area.
According to preliminary reports, Constable Dogbey was a member of the Central North Regional Police Anti-Galamsey Task Force. During the operation, he was in the process of dismantling a Chanfan machine, a piece of equipment commonly used by illegal miners, when he accidentally lost his footing and fell into the river.
Efforts were made to rescue him immediately, but the strong currents of the Offin River made retrieval difficult. After several hours of searching, divers were finally able to recover his body. He was then transported to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Foso, where medical personnel confirmed his passing.
Following his death, the police have transferred Constable Dogbey’s body to the Police Hospital morgue, where an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
In light of the incident, the Police Administration has assured the bereaved family of their full support and assistance during this challenging time. They have also pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, despite the unfortunate loss of their colleague, the task force continued their operation and managed to dismantle one Chanfan machine used by illegal miners. Additionally, they confiscated two pumping machines, two excavator batteries, and three excavator keys, along with their chassis numbers, as part of their efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to the dangers law enforcement officers face in their efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly in areas where water bodies are frequently used for mining operations. Many have expressed concerns about the risks involved in such missions and called for enhanced safety measures for officers deployed in hazardous conditions.
Illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, has been a persistent challenge in Ghana, leading to severe environmental degradation, water pollution, and conflicts between local communities and law enforcement agencies. The government has made several attempts to address the problem, deploying task forces to dismantle illegal operations and seize mining equipment.
Constable Dogbey’s tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices officers make in the fight against illegal mining. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing their efforts to combat galamsey while ensuring the safety of their personnel.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review the circumstances of the incident and explore ways to enhance the safety of officers involved in future anti-galamsey operations. The nation mourns the loss of a dedicated officer who died in the line of duty, and the police force remains resolute in their mission to enforce the law and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
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