Government has announced plans to set up special courts for the speedy prosecution of persons cited for galamsey. Apexnewsgh reports
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is working closely with the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, as well as the judiciary, to finalize the modalities for establishing these courts.
According to Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the government is committed to ensuring expedited prosecution of illegal miners. This move comes on the back of calls by stakeholders in the forestry sector and environmental activists for specialized courts to swiftly prosecute those who flout mining regulations.
The call for specialized courts has been endorsed by key stakeholders, including Dr. Hugh Brown, CEO of the Forestry Commission; Daryl Bosu of A Rocha Ghana; and Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition against Galamsey. They argue that the weak prosecution regime is a major hindrance in the fight against galamsey, and that dedicated courts would help clear the backlog of outstanding cases related to environmental crimes.
Key Provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995)
– A Ghanaian engaged in illegal mining faces a fine of GH¢120,000 to GH¢180,000 and imprisonment of 15 to 25 years.
– A foreigner engaged in illegal mining faces a fine of GH¢1.2 million to GH¢3.6 million and imprisonment of 20 to 25 years.
Despite these provisions, the prosecution rate for illegal mining remains low. Data from the Forestry Commission reveals that out of 845 persons arrested for mining in forest reserves over the past two years, only 20 have been prosecuted.
Stakeholders are advocating for 24-hour courts to expedite the prosecution of galamsey offenders. They also emphasize the need for stiffer sanctions, particularly for foreigners, and for building the capacity of prosecutors and judges to understand environmental crimes.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
