The government has unveiled sweeping measures to intensify the fight against illegal mining, announcing plans to establish specialized tribunals to fast-track prosecutions. So far, more than 400 arrests have been made in the nationwide crackdown.
At a meeting with civil society organizations and faith leaders , Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine highlighted the difficulties law enforcement faces under the current system. He noted that the constitutional requirement to arraign suspects within 48 hours often results in bail being granted, with many offenders returning almost immediately to mining sites.
Citing a recent case in Kumasi, Dr. Ayine said nine suspects who were granted bail quickly resumed their activities in the forest, forcing security agencies to rearrest them.
Prosecutions are already underway in 65 separate dockets involving nearly 600 individuals. One of the largest cases, in the Western North Region, involves 28 accused miners.
The Attorney General also revealed that a long-dormant 2002 police docket implicating Chairman Wontumi Mining and five others has resurfaced. Charges have now been signed, and the accused are expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, Cabinet is preparing to approve a new Public Tribunals Bill, which will be laid before Parliament under a certificate of urgency. Once passed, the legislation will establish tribunals with exclusive jurisdiction over mining-related offenses, a move government officials say will close loopholes and strengthen enforcement.
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