Ghana Courts to Fast-Track Galamsey Cases

The Judiciary has set aside three High Courts to expedite the prosecution of cases related to illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’, with a particular focus on matters stemming from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

This was revealed by Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Puamang on Wednesday, December 17, during his address at the Annual Chief Justices Mentoring Programme in Accra.

The Mentoring Programme aims to instill justice-centred values in Senior High School students and foster interest in judicial careers.

Speaking on the theme “Advocating Greener, Sustainable Justice: The Environment and Justice,” Justice Puamang emphasized the Judiciary’s commitment to tackling the galamsey menace. He indicated the specialised courts are slated to begin operations early next year.

According to Justice Puamang, three High Court judges have already been assigned to the initiative under the leadership of Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie. Their courtrooms are currently being renovated to allow them to concentrate specifically on NAIMOS-related cases and other state-sensitive matters.

“These efforts are also intended to support the recovery of state assets that have been lost through unlawful mining activities,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to curbing illegal mining. He disclosed that over 1,000 excavators have been seized as part of the ongoing tracking of imported earth-moving machinery and are currently in the Ministry’s possession.

Both Justice Puamang and Mr. Buah highlighted the necessity of a unified judicial and executive approach to protect the environment and ensure accountability in the fight against galamsey.

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