Accra, Ghana — A routine anti-galamsey operation turned into a heartbreaking loss as a police officer tragically drowned while pursuing illegal miners. The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, raising questions about the safety protocols in high-risk operations.
The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a police officer, Constable John Kwabena Dogbey, who drowned in the Offin River during an anti-galamsey operation at Domeabra, near Assin Asaman in the Central Region.
In a statement issued on April 3, 2025, the police confirmed that the officer, who was part of the Central North Regional Police Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, lost his life while dismantling illegal mining equipment in the river.
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According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Constable Dogbey “slipped and fell into the Offin River while he was dismantling a Chanfan machine belonging to the illegal miners.”
Despite immediate efforts to rescue him, he was retrieved “only after several hours by divers” and rushed to St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Foso, where he was pronounced dead.
His body has since been transferred to the Police Hospital morgue for autopsy.
The Police Administration has reached out to the bereaved family, assuring them of full support during this difficult time.
“The Police Administration is in touch with the deceased’s family to provide the needed support in these difficult times,” the statement noted.
Despite the tragic loss, the police task force managed to “dismantle one Chanfan machine and take custody of two pumping machines, two excavator batteries, and three excavator keys along with their chassis numbers.”
The Ghana Police Service has extended its condolences, stating, “May the soul of our departed colleague rest in perfect peace.”
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident.
Below is the full statement;
Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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