Galamsey is destroying water bodies, even the quality of our cocoa has been compromised – Haruna Iddrisu
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called on the judiciary to apply tough punishments, including jail terms, to public officials and politicians found guilty of engaging in illegal mining.
He said the fight against galamsey cannot be won by the Executive alone and requires strong support from the courts to deter offenders. He urged judges to act firmly where evidence clearly proves wrongdoing.
“We need to elevate and up our game. The Executive and the President alone cannot succeed in fighting galamsey. We need the judiciary to stand side by side in solidarity.
“Should the court find any good evidence on any public official or any politician involved in it, my Lords don’t hesitate to exercise the gavel and punish adequately so that it becomes deterrent for the rest of our society,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu made the remarks at the Annual Chief Justice Mentoring Programme held at the forecourt of the Supreme Court in Accra. The event was organised under the theme, “Advocating Greener Sustainable Justice: The Environment and Justice.”
The programme brought together students from 11 schools in the Greater Accra and Western Regions, members of the Orange Girls groups from Accra and Kumasi, and participants from the United Nations Youth Association. Addressing the students, the Education Minister highlighted the need for environmental protection, warning that the effects of illegal mining were already clear.
“Galamsey is destroying water bodies, even the quality of our cocoa has been compromised. Preserve the environment. As we educate the next generation, we must help them understand that protecting the environment is not optional, it is a moral and civic duty and increasingly a legal one,” he said, adding that Ghana cannot afford to lose the fight against illegal mining.
Haruna Iddrisu also commended the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and former heads of the judiciary for strengthening the mentoring programme, noting that it has helped make the justice system more accessible to young people.
He encouraged students to stay disciplined in their studies and uphold patriotism and integrity, adding that interaction with legal professionals helps build confidence and interest in public service.
Chair of the Mentoring Committee, Professor Justice Olivia Anku-Tsede, also stressed the need for national reflection on the link between justice and environmental protection, especially due to the growing threat of galamsey.
She described illegal mining as “a threat to our national heritage, our public health, laws and the very future of our communities,” pointing out that rivers are polluted, forests destroyed, and farmlands damaged.
“If this generation allows these practices to continue, then the next generation would inherit barren lands, polluted waters and weakened institutions,” she warned…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>