President John Dramani Mahama says government is taking a decisive step to speed up the fight against illegal mining with the approval of the Public Tribunals Bill by Cabinet.
The proposal, once passed by Parliament, will assign galamsey-related offences to newly empowered public tribunals for faster adjudication.
Addressing the Christian Council at Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the President said the traditional court system has been overwhelmed by the sheer volume and complexity of illegal mining cases.
He explained that the new Bill is intended to relieve the pressure on the regular courts and ensure swift justice for environmental offences that continue to threaten Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
“What the Cabinet did was to pass the Public Tribunals Bill so that we will push issues related to illegal mining to the public tribunals. They will adjudicate faster and ensure that justice is seen to be done,” President Mahama said.
He added that the reform will significantly cut delays in prosecution. “If this comes into effect, we will be able to process cases against illegal mining even quicker.”
Mahama described the measure as part of a broader government strategy to protect the environment and strengthen national resolve against the galamsey menace.
He noted that rapid and consistent punishment is critical if Ghana is to restore degraded lands and prevent further destruction of rivers and farmlands.
The President also used the engagement to highlight his long-term objective of building stronger and more resilient institutions that future governments cannot easily undermine.
“My mission is to use the mandate Ghanaians have given me to move Ghana to a level where anybody who comes after cannot reverse the gains that we have made,” he told the council.
He warned that many countries across the region have suffered setbacks due to weak governance systems, adding that Ghana must fortify its institutions to withstand political transitions and global economic shocks.
Mahama reaffirmed that his administration is tightening accountability measures and actively pursuing corruption-related cases involving officials of the previous government as part of efforts to safeguard national resources.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
