The Enchi District Court in the Western North Region has reversed its earlier ruling on the release of mining equipment seized from illegal miners who were operating in the Boin Forest Reserve.
Presiding Judge, His Worship Lawrence Buenor Buer, based the court’s decision on March 28, 2025, to release two Liugong excavators and other mining equipment to their owners for evacuation and relocation, was “wrong in law”.
In his latest ruling delivered on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the court described the initial order as erroneous and one that lacked jurisdiction.
He explained that upon reviewing the facts and applicable mining laws, the court declared its previous order null and void.
“This District Court, in respect of illegal mining activities, lacks jurisdiction to entertain such matters by making those orders,” stated His Worship Buenor Buer.
The court exercised its inherent powers to set aside the previous ruling and issued a fresh order.
The court, in its new directive, ordered the retrieval of the two excavators and other mining equipment.
These assets are to be handed over to the Enchi Forestry Commission for safekeeping until the proper forum with jurisdiction determines the case.
The police and Forestry Commission have been assigned the role of tracing, locating, and intercepting the equipment to ensure compliance with the court’s new orders.
The judge also cited Moshie v. Begyina and Attoh Quarshie v. Okpoti, stressing its authority to correct its own errors to uphold justice and maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
