Judiciary joins national push against galamsey with dedicated courts
Ghana’s judiciary has stepped forward to reinforce the country’s battle against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by designating three specialised High Courts to handle cases tied to the National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the theft of state property.
Supreme Court Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang made the announcement while addressing participants at the Annual Chief Justice’s Mentorship Programme in Accra on December 17, 2025. He explained that the courtrooms are currently undergoing refurbishment and will begin operations early next year. “The judiciary, under the leadership of the Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Baffoe Bonnie, has already allocated three High Court judges. These courts are being refurbished to specifically deal with cases arising from NAIMOS, as well as other state‑related matters aimed at recovering lost government properties,” he stated.
Delivering remarks on the theme “Advocating Greener Sustainable Justice: The Environment and Justice,” Justice Pwamang reaffirmed the judiciary’s resolve to confront environmental degradation. “On this occasion, we restate our commitment to support the fight against environmental degradation, particularly illegal mining, and to deepen collaboration with the executive and parliament in enforcing the laws,” he said. He also encouraged young people to develop an interest in judicial careers and uphold justice‑driven values.
The government has intensified its clampdown on galamsey through arrests, equipment seizures, and the establishment of NAIMOS. At the same programme, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the judiciary must play a stronger role in punishing offenders. “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 credible evidence against any public official or politician, my lord, do not hesitate to punish adequately,” he urged.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah also outlined ongoing reforms to the Mining Act, 2008 (Act 703), and disclosed that 1,200 excavators are currently being tracked using geofencing technology. “We are reforming the Mining Act, 2008 (Act 703), and I am happy to say we have already made significant progress. We intend to forward the reforms to Cabinet early next year. So far, 1,200 excavators are being tracked using geofencing technology, and we will continue to expand this effort,” he explained. He added that more than 1,000 excavators have already been seized and are in the custody of the ministry.
Officials say the creation of specialised courts will complement executive measures by ensuring swift prosecution and recovery of state assets lost through unlawful mining. Both Justice Pwamang and government ministers emphasized that a coordinated judicial and executive response is critical to safeguarding Ghana’s environment and enforcing accountability in the fight against galamsey
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