The District Court in Enchi in the Western North Region of Ghana has rescinded its earlier order to release two excavator machines and other mining equipment seized from illegal miners in the Boin Forest Reserve.
The court’s decision, made on April 2, 2025, follows an application by the Ghana Police Service, Enchi, to rescind the earlier order, which was made on March 28, 2025. The application was supported by an affidavit sworn by D/C Inspector Kwadwo Agyare, Prosecutor for the Ghana Police Service, Enchi.
According to the affidavit, the earlier order was “wrong in law” as the District Court lacked jurisdiction to hear matters related to illegal mining activities. The affidavit further stated that the Forestry Commission, Enchi, had effectively seized the two excavators and other mining equipment on March 23, 2025, and that the seized items were under the Commission’s lawful custody.
The court presided over by His Worship Lawrence Buenor Buer, Magistrate, declared the earlier order “null and void” and set it aside. The court also ordered the Police Command, Enchi, to collaborate with the Forestry Commission, Enchi, to retrieve the seized equipment from the illegal miners and hand them over to the Forestry Commission for safe custody.
The case involves six accused persons: Wisdom Amuzu, Francis Adongo, Abu Anorwin, Kennedy Akrogu, Mr. Moore (currently at large), and Kojo (currently at large). The accused persons were granted bail on March 27, 2025, and the matter was adjourned to April 24, 2025.
The court’s decision is seen as a significant step in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana, and it is expected to serve as a deterrent to those involved in such activities.
Meanwhile, a section of the public has described the new order by the court as respect for the law and many have also expressed swift approval of admiration for the sitting judge for the decision.
By: Graham Kofi Baldwin/newsalertgh.com
