Ag. Chief Justice vows crackdown on Galamsey and drug cases

Acting Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has pledged to priorities Galamsey and drug-related cases.

He also promised tougher sentences and specialized courts to restore confidence in the judiciary.

Speaking at the 44th Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana in Accra, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the judiciary must be resolute in handling such cases.

“We must ensure that prosecutions related to illegal mining and drug trafficking and abuse are handled with seriousness, impartiality and urgency,” he declared. “The law must be applied without fear or favour. No person, regardless of political affiliation or social status, should be immune from justice.”

He announced plans to revamp specialised courts to fast-track such prosecutions.

According to him, this will eliminate unnecessary delays and show Ghanaians that the law works equally for all.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie raised concern over what he described as weak and inconsistent sentences for environmental and drug-related crimes, which he said undermine deterrence. “Consistency in sentencing is key,” he stressed.

“There is a growing perception that punishments for environmental crimes and drug offenses are either too lenient or inconsistently applied. We must change this narrative to ensure deterrence and fairness.”

He further warned against any attempts to influence judicial decisions.

“The judiciary’s independence and integrity remain our strongest assets in safeguarding public trust. We cannot allow external interference to erode that confidence,” he said.

The nominee argued that strengthening judicial handling of galamsey and narcotics offenses would not only enhance the rule of law but also send a clear message that the justice system is impartial.

READ: Multichoice endorses Sam George DStv deal

“Our courts must demonstrate that no one is above the law,” he concluded. “If we succeed in this, public confidence in the judiciary will be renewed.”

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has officially been nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to serve as Chief Justice following a conclusion reached by a committee that she had misconducted herself, occasioning her removal.