In a surprising turn of events, the Enchi District Court has overturned its previous decision to release mining equipment confiscated from illegal miners operating within the Boin Forest Reserve. The court’s reversal is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities in Ghana.
The case centers on six defendants accused of engaging in “galamsey,” a local term for illegal mining. The court’s initial ruling had ordered the release of two excavators and other equipment, but this decision has now been deemed “wrong in law.”
Upon further review, the court concluded that it lacked jurisdiction to rule on the matter. As a result, the court has issued a new order directing the retrieval of the seized equipment.
The equipment will be handed over to the Enchi Forestry Commission for safekeeping until the case is heard in a court with proper jurisdiction.
The police and Forestry Commission have been tasked with locating and intercepting the equipment to ensure compliance with the court’s new orders.
This development marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to address the environmental and economic challenges posed by illegal mining.
