Media coalition convener slams magistrate’s decision to release excavators involved in illegal mining
Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey convener, has strongly criticized the magistrate in Enchi, Western North Region, Ghana, for ordering the release of excavators impounded for involvement in illegal mining activities.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Ing. Ashigbey described the Magistrate’s ruling as both “bizarre” and “unfortunate.”
He argued that the Magistrate’s decision represents a significant setback in the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, which remains a major threat to Ghana’s environment, natural resources, and the livelihoods of many citizens.
Ing. Ashigbey emphasized that the ruling contradicts the Mining Act of Ghana, a law specifically designed to address the damage caused by illegal mining.
He pointed out that the law clearly stipulates that individuals arrested for illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves, must face the full legal consequences, without allowing a judge to exercise discretion over the return of seized equipment.
“Once a person is arrested in a forest reserve, they must be brought to court, and the law removes any discretion from the judge. There’s no ambiguity in this. Therefore, for the judge to order the return of the confiscated equipment to the offender is truly bizarre,” he reiterated.
