Chinese nationals routinely arrested for illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, are frequently released by the courts due to a lack of interpreters, the Forestry Commission’s Deputy Greater Accra Regional Manager, George Agbenowoshi has revealed.
He lamented that the cases involving these accused were dropped owing to a language problem.
He disclosed this during a short ceremony held today, June 7, 2024, as part of Parliament’s activities to commemorate 2024 Green Ghana Day.
He also discussed some of the problems that district forestry offices confront across the country.
Another concern he addressed was the late release of cash, as well as the legal obstacles the Commission has when pursuing Chinese people.
Mr. Agbenowoshi expressed concern over inadequate logistics, which he believes is hindering the fight against forest offences like galamsey and illegal farming.
“We have the challenge of timely release of funds for forestry-related activities including plantation activities in our sector and issues sent to court have been there for years without redress. Issues of mining activities involving Chinese that take an interpreter to translate are often thrown out of court as a result of the lack of an interpreter.”
“Logistics such as pickup vehicles and motorbikes for our field operations and activities at the various districts stations are challenging…and that makes it difficult to fight forest offences in our forest reserves.
“These offenses include illegal mining activities, illegal farming, bushfires, illegal lumbering, illegal logging and chainsaw activities across the country.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
