In a decisive move to tackle the growing menace of illegal mining, the Ghana Chamber of Mines has announced a strategic partnership with the country’s judiciary and the Judicial Training Institute.
As a result, judges from the Western, Western North and Central regions have undergone training and will be closely monitored when dealing with such cases. This collaboration aims to ensure stricter accountability and more effective enforcement of Ghana’s mining laws, as the nation battles to preserve its environment and natural resources.
The partnership comes at a critical time, with mounting concerns that many cases involving illegal miners—locally known as “galamseyers” have been delayed or dismissed by courts.
These setbacks have significantly undermined national efforts to combat the destructive practice, which continues to ravage farmlands, pollute rivers, and threaten the livelihoods of countless Ghanaians.
Addressing the judges on June 18, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Kenneth Ashigbey spoke candidly about the challenges:
“The judiciary must ensure the law works effectively and that illegal miners are held accountable. There have been instances where illegal mining trials have been mishandled, and this sends the wrong signal. If judges apply the law consistently, it will serve as a deterrent to others and help us fight galamsey, paving the way for responsible mining,” he said.
Mr. Ashigbey emphasized the importance of giving miners opportunities to regularize their operations by obtaining proper permits and adopting responsible mining practices, instead of resorting to illegal methods.
Describing illegal mining as an “ecocide,” he highlighted its severe consequences not just for the environment, but for public health and national security.
“Illegal mining has polluted our rivers, devastated farmlands, and led to a surge in health problems such as kidney diseases and birth defects due to heavy metal contamination. Economically, it robs the state of revenue and, alarmingly, many galamseyers are found in possession of arms, posing a security threat,” he lamented.
Dr Ashigbey called on the judiciary to play a vital role in safeguarding Ghana’s environment and future development by ensuring prompt and effective enforcement of mining laws.
Supreme Court Justice and Director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Tanko Amadu, echoed the need for judicial reform and continuous capacity building.
“With the frequent amendments and new legislations in the mining sector, it is crucial that judges are regularly trained and updated. This will enhance their ability to interpret and enforce the law accurately and fairly,” he noted.
The Director of the Judicial Training Institute also pointed out the importance of constitutional provisions that allow for appellate and supervisory courts to correct judicial errors, reinforcing the checks and balances within Ghana’s legal system.
This new partnership between the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the judiciary is being hailed as a significant step toward restoring legal integrity in mining prosecutions and promoting sustainable mining practices across key regions. The initiative is expected to expedite the judicial process for illegal mining cases, reinforce the rule of law and protect Ghana’s environment for generations to come.
As Ghana intensifies its fight against galamsey, all eyes will be on the courts to deliver swift and decisive justice, setting a precedent for environmental protection and responsible resource management nationwide.
By Francoise Kpogno
The post Ghana Chamber of Mines’ CEO urges judiciary to fast-track illegal mining cases to safeguard environment first appeared on 3News.
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