By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Methodist Church Ghana’s Presiding Bishop, Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, has urged lawyers and judges to lead the fight against illegal mining, terming it an “ecological injustice.”
Speaking at a church service in Accra to mark the Judiciary’s 67th Legal Year, Dr. Boafo emphasized that environmental harm in Ghana results from human actions, not natural occurrences.
He stressed that the damage to forests, rivers, and ecosystems should concern everyone, including the Judiciary. “When we advocate for environmental justice, we seek fairness and the best care for our environment,” Dr. Boafo said.
Dr. Boafo pointed out that individuals in positions of power encourage and recruit youth to engage in environmental destruction for gold.
He noted that numerous illegal mining cases are currently before the courts.
“Illegal mining has dire consequences, including health issues like cancers, deformities, and water contamination,” Dr. Boafo said.
“Those involved commit a grave injustice against us. As we enter the New Legal Year, ensuring justice prevails is our responsibility.”
The 67th Legal Year’s theme is “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation, and Technology.”
