A police officer drowned this morning in the River Offin at Assin Asaman while participating in an operation against illegal mining (galamsey).

The body identified as Constable Kwabena Dogbewas was recovered after a four-hour search.

The incident occurred during a swoop operation led by the Central North Regional Police Command, part of their ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in the region.

When the police arrived, suspected illegal miners fled across the river.

In an attempt to seize and destroy their equipment, including changfang machines and water pumping devices, Constable Dogbe slipped and tragically drowned.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.