Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, has called on the judiciary to impose jail sentences on officials and politicians found guilty of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Annual Chief Justice Mentoring Programme held at the forecourt of the Supreme Court in Accra, the Minister stressed that the fight against illegal mining required strong collaboration among all arms of government.
“We need to elevate our game. The Executive and the President alone cannot succeed in fighting galamsey. We need the judiciary to stand side by side in solidarity,” he said.
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He urged judges not to hesitate in imposing punishment when credible evidence is established against offenders, saying such sanctions would serve as a deterrent to others.
The programme, held under the theme “Advocating Greener Sustainable Justice: The Environment and Justice,” brought together 11 schools from the Greater Accra and Western Regions, Orange Girls groups from Accra and Kumasi, and members of the United Nations Youth Association.
Mr Iddrisu warned that illegal mining was destroying Ghana’s natural resources and threatening livelihoods. “Galamsey is destroying water bodies, and even the quality of our cocoa has been compromised. Preserve the environment,” he told students, emphasising that environmental protection is both a legal and moral duty.
He commended the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and his predecessors for sustaining the mentoring programme, noting that it helps demystify the judicial process and instil patriotism, discipline, and integrity in young people.
Chairperson of the Mentoring Committee, Professor Justice Olivia Anku-Tsede, also underscored the grave threat illegal mining poses to Ghana’s future.
She warned that polluted rivers, disappearing forests, and devastated farmlands could leave the next generation with “barren lands, polluted waters, and weakened institutions.”
She said the fight against illegal mining requires collective responsibility, especially the active participation of the youth. “Our youth must understand that sustainability is not a slogan… it is a responsibility,” she added.