Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has urged the judiciary to impose custodial sentences on public officials and politicians found guilty of participating in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Speaking at the Annual Chief Justice Mentoring Programme at the Supreme Court forecourt in Accra, Iddrisu emphasised that the fight against galamsey requires a united front.
“We need to elevate and up our game. The Executive and the President alone cannot succeed in fighting galamsey. We need the judiciary to stand side by side in solidarity. Should the court find any good evidence on any public official or any politician involved in it, my Lords don’t hesitate to exercise the gavel and punish adequately so that it becomes a deterrent for the rest of our society,” he said.
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The programme, themed “Advocating Greener Sustainable Justice: The Environment and Justice,” brought together 11 schools from the Greater Accra and Western Regions, the Orange Girls groups from Accra and Kumasi, and members of the United Nations Youth Association.
Mr Iddrisu encouraged students to actively support environmental protection efforts, noting that illegal mining is damaging water bodies and even affecting the quality of Ghanaian cocoa.
“As we educate the next generation, we must help them understand that protecting the environment is not optional, it is a moral and civic duty and increasingly a legal one,” he added.
He commended Chief Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie and his predecessors for strengthening the mentoring programme, which he said demystifies the judicial process for young people, instils discipline, and promotes civic-mindedness.
Iddrisu highlighted the role of Justice Clubs in schools and affirmed that the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service would continue to support such initiatives.
Professor Justice Olivia Anku‑Tsede, Chair of the Mentoring Committee, stressed the urgent need to reflect on the link between justice and environmental sustainability, particularly as galamsey threatens national heritage, public health, laws, and the future of communities.
She warned that unchecked illegal mining has polluted rivers, destroyed forests, and ravaged farmlands, leaving barren lands and weakened institutions for future generations.
Prof. Anku‑Tsede called for collective action, especially from young people, stating: “Our youth must understand that sustainability is not a slogan… it is a responsibility.”
The event highlighted the growing emphasis on civic education, environmental stewardship, and the pivotal role of the judiciary in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and the rule of law.
