Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has responded to Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame’s recent comments regarding the handling of illegal mining cases, clarifying that it is the work of prosecutors, not judges, that is causing delays in the judicial process.
On Wednesday, October 2, Attorney General Dame called on the Chief Justice to instruct judges presiding over galamsey cases to deliver their rulings within a month of the cases being presented in court. Dame argued that swift judgments would help mitigate the ongoing destruction of water bodies and forest reserves caused by unregulated mining and unauthorized operations in protected areas.
Dame expressed concern at the Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana, noting that the slow pace of prosecuting galamsey cases is worsening environmental damage to Ghana’s forests and water resources.
He emphasized the need for urgent action to address the issue.
However, Chief Justice Torkornoo countered that the delays in these cases are primarily due to prosecutors, not the judiciary.
The Chief Justice stressed that engagements with the Attorney General have shown that prosecutors are often the source of delays in galamsey cases.
“On the issue of delays in galamsey cases, the AG will acknowledge that engagements have shown that the delays often come from the work of prosecutors,” Chief Justice Torkornoo said.
This response sheds light on the complexities of the issue, pointing to the need for improved collaboration between prosecutors and the judiciary.
The Chief Justice’s statement highlights the importance of identifying the root causes of delays in the judicial process.
The exchange between the Attorney General and the Chief Justice comes amid growing concerns about the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment.
The government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with many calling for more effective measures to combat galamsey.
As the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo has been proactive in addressing concerns about the judiciary’s role in combating galamsey. Earlier this year, she issued a directive to judges regarding the handling of cases by police prosecutors.
This move aimed to streamline the judicial process and ensure that cases are handled efficiently.
The Chief Justice’s latest response underscores the judiciary’s commitment to handling galamsey cases efficiently.
However, it also emphasizes the need for prosecutors to step up their efforts to ensure timely prosecution of these cases.
The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of addressing illegal mining in Ghana. While the judiciary plays a critical role, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach involving prosecutors, law enforcement, and policymakers is necessary to effectively combat galamsey.
