There should be a special court to deal with illegal mining, the laws are already there, it needs enforcement – Jerry James Sukah (Papa Jay)
Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Oforikrom Constituency, Jerry James Sukah, popularly known as Papa Jay, has called for the establishment of a special court dedicated to handling illegal mining cases.
Speaking in a spirited discussion on Kessben FM, Papa Jay emphasized that Ghana does not lack mining laws, but rather suffers from weak enforcement mechanisms.
“There should be a special court to deal with illegal mining. The laws are already there; it needs enforcement,” he asserted.
Illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, has become a persistent national concern, ravaging water bodies, destroying farmlands, and endangering communities. Despite numerous government interventions, including the deployment of security personnel and regulatory campaigns, the menace continues, often with political overtones and institutional complacency.
Papa Jay argued that creating a specialized court system, similar to what exists for financial or narcotics crimes, would streamline the prosecution of illegal mining cases and reduce the backlog and bureaucratic delays that currently hinder swift justice.
Ghana has a robust legal framework to regulate small-scale and large-scale mining activities. The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its subsequent amendments provide clear guidelines on licensing, environmental protection, and penalties for illegal operations. However, the enforcement of these provisions remains inconsistent.
Papa Jay also cautioned against the politicization of the galamsey fight, urging all parties to put national interest above partisanship. He believes a dedicated court, independent from political pressure and equipped with competent judges familiar with environmental and mining law, would foster accountability and transparency.
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