The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has emphasised the critical role of other state institutions, particularly the judiciary, in combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He called for dedicated courts to expedite cases related to environmental destruction.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, April 3, the minister stressed that swift and firm legal action is necessary to deter offenders and demonstrate the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace of illegal mining.

“This fight is a collaborative effort and involves a lot of sector agencies, a lot of institutions, and I take the opportunity to urge all these institutions, including the defense, police, and the judiciary, to play their part. I mean this story [illegal mining] – it goes to underscore the critical importance of the judiciary in this fight,” he stated.

He revealed that his ministry has already engaged the Attorney General and the Chief Justice to explore measures to strengthen the legal framework for tackling illegal mining.

“We’ve already engaged the Attorney General; we’ve engaged the Chief Justice. I'm very happy that the Attorney General is taking the necessary steps to try to reconstitute and bring back dedicated courts, dealing with these terrorists – and that's how we see them, they’re terrorists,” he added.