A judge presiding at the Enchi district court in the Western North Region, known as His Worship Lawrence Buenor Buer, is under intense scrutiny following his decision to instruct the Forestry Commission (FC) to hand over confiscated excavators, commonly used by illegal miners known as galamseyers.
The backlash stems from the arrest of four illegal miners by the Police for encroaching on the Boin River Forest Reserve on Sunday, March 23 in search of gold.
The accused individuals, namely Wisdom Amuzu, Francis Adongo, Kennedy Akrugu, and Moore Now, along with Kojo who remains at large, were found in possession of two excavators within the forest premises. Subsequently, they were apprehended and brought before the court for legal proceedings.
Rather than imposing punishment as a deterrent, the judge granted bail to the suspects and issued an order for the excavators to be returned to them. The directive included a three-day timeline for the suspects to remove the heavy machinery from the forest.
The ruling, dated March 28, states, “The Forestry Services Division Enchi District shall promptly authorize the Applicant to assess and relocate the two (2) Lingong Excavator machines and other mining equipment from the Forest Reserve to a location of their choosing outside the Reserve. The Applicant shall bear all associated costs related to the evacuation and relocation of the excavators and additional equipment.”
Investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, who has been actively reporting on illegal mining activities despite personal risks, expressed deep concern over the judge’s decision. He questioned the adherence to the Forest Protection Act of 1974 amidst such developments.
Expressing dissent toward the court’s judgment, Donkor emphasized his respect for legal decisions but disagreed with the Enchi district court’s stance. He remarked, “This decision undermines the anti-illegal mining efforts, especially in an area known for rampant destruction of forest reserves.”
Additionally, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni echoed Donkor’s sentiments, urging the Attorney General and Minister for Justice Domini Ayine to intervene and challenge the ruling. Azure Awuni highlighted the role of certain judges in perpetuating issues within the country’s judicial system.
Social media platforms have been flooded with criticisms denouncing the court’s decision. Many individuals believe that such rulings hinder the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and call for corrective actions from authorities, including Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo and the executive branch.