Fast-Track Court needed to punish galamsey offenders — Lands Minister

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has hinted at moves to establish a dedicated court to ensure the swift adjudication of small-scale mining-related cases.

According to the Ellembelle Member of Parliament, the Fast-Track Court will have the mandate to prosecute individuals found engaging in galamsey, the illegal mining activities that have been destroying the country’s environment.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, March 19, the minister noted that the slow pace of adjudicating such cases is hampering the overall fight against illegal mining.

“I believe that the time has come for us to set up a Fast-Track Court to try and prosecute those engaging in the destruction of our forest reserves and water bodies,” he said.

He further revealed that the proposal has been welcomed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, as well as the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo.

“I am looking forward to the day, and I’m happy that I got a good reception from the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine.

“Not only the Attorney General, but I’ve also engaged the Chief Justice, and she was very receptive. The Attorney General was very receptive, and we have had very good discussions on that,” he disclosed.

He emphasized the need for stakeholder support to actualize his proposal, stressing that slow prosecution will undermine the fight against illegal mining.

“I believe that this is where we’ve gotten to. Trust me, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources can only succeed when we get support from all these agencies,” he said.

He added, “We need to move beyond discussions and take real action to punish those wrecking our natural resources. Without swift justice, our efforts to protect the environment will be in vain.”