Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abdul Jalil Bawah, leader of the Inspector General of Police’s Special Taskforce, has recounted a harrowing, life-threatening encounter during anti-galamsey operations at Bontresu.

Speaking after his promotion on December 24, 2025, DSP Bawah described the Bontresu operation as one of the most dangerous moments of his career.

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According to him, the taskforce came under direct attack during the operation, with threats to their lives and injuries sustained. One of his men was shot in the leg, and security personnel were overwhelmed before managing to regain control and withdraw safely.

“The confrontation that I had at Bontresu during our anti-galamsey operations was a life-threatening one, of course, where we were threatened, even I got hurt, one of my men was fired on his leg. There was a complete attack on security. We had to do everything possible to make sure that we get ourselves out of it, and then eventually we were able to subdue the situation and left there. It was a very life-threatening issue, and it has been a memory within me,” he said.

The promotion, he noted, was deeply emotional. DSP Bawah said he was overwhelmed with joy, admitting he nearly broke down when he considered how far the team had come since those dangerous early operations. He described the recognition as unprecedented within the Ghana Police Service.

He pointed out that while special recommendations have existed in the past, they were often done quietly. This time, the acknowledgment was public, an affirmation, he believes, of dedication, hard work, and bravery.

“I'm overwhelmed with joy, I nearly even cried especially knowing where we started from and where we are today. The IGP, I think is the first in kind. We have never seen this in the police service, whereby people have been given special recommendation because of their dedication, hard work and commitment and made publicly.

“Over the years, we’ve only seen people receive it behind the scenes, and sometimes people will be talking. At least some of us have committed ourselves to law enforcement in this country, just to make sure that the country is safe for people,” he stated.

DSP Bawah expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues, emphasising that the promotion validates years of commitment to law enforcement, often under severe risk. He framed the recognition as both a reward and a message to others within the service.

“If today, we have been duly recognized, it is a clear indication that the special recommendations can be given to people who have dedicated themselves through hardwork, who will show braveness in terms of their duty, and then that promotion is endorsed,” he expressed.

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He added, “I thank the IGP on behalf of my colleagues, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity and the elevation in round. I think this is overwhelming, and to serve as a wake-up call for others to also commit themselves to law enforcement, devoid of any corrupt practices, just to make sure our country is safe.”

DSP Bawah was among 13 senior officers of the Police Service who were promoted by the IGP, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, in recognition of their distinguished service.

@dek360ghana Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mr. Abdul Jalil Bawah leader of the IGPs Special Taskforce opens up about a life-threatening incident faced while on a special operation assignment. Follow @dek360ghana for updates #dek360ghana #news #trend #fyp #ghanapoliceservice ♬ Revolution - Composer Squad