Cases of ‘Chinese galamseyers’ are often thrown out of court due to the lack of interpreters – Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission of Ghana has disclosed that one of the challenges in the fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) in the country is the lack of interpreters to help with translation when cases go to court.

Speaking at a mini ceremony organised by parliament as part of its activities to mark the 2024 Green Ghana Day, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, George Agbenowoshi, said that most Chinese nationals arrested for engaging in galamsey activities are often discharged by the courts due to a lack of interpreters.

He added that the commission also faces serious issues of funding which often hamper its ability to fight cases in court, citinewsroom.com reports.

“We have the challenge of the 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 nationals that require an interpreter to translate are often thrown out of court as a result of the lack of an interpreter,” he is quoted as saying.

The deputy manager added that his outfit also lacks the necessary logistics to fight illegal activities in the country’s forest reserves, including galamsey.

“Logistics such as pickup vehicles and motorbikes for our field operations and activities at the various district stations are challenging… and that makes it difficult to fight forest offences in our forest reserves.

“These offences include illegal mining activities, illegal farming, bushfires, illegal lumbering, illegal logging, and chainsaw activities across the country,” he added.

BAI/ ADG

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