A tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning in the Central Region of Ghana, resulting in the death of Constable John Kwabena Dogbe. The policeman drowned in the River Offin at Assin Asaman during an anti-galamsey operation.
According to Shirley Asiedu Addo, Graphic Online’s Central Regional correspondent, the Central North Regional Police Command had launched the operation to crack down on illegal mining activities along the Offin River.
The area has been plagued by galamsey, which has devastated the environment, destroying large tracts of land and polluting water bodies.
As reported by Graphic Online, the operation was underway when suspected illegal miners fled the scene, abandoning their equipment.
In the ensuing chaos, Constable Dogbe attempted to seize the equipment, including a changfang and water pumping machines. Unfortunately, he lost his footing and slipped into the river.
A four-hour search and rescue operation ensued, and Constable Dogbe’s body was eventually recovered.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The death of Constable Dogbe serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in their quest to protect the environment and uphold the law.