Democracy Hub sues govt over deportation of galamseyers without prosecution

Civil society organisation Democracy Hub has filed a lawsuit against the government, challenging its policy of deporting foreign nationals involved in illegal mining without subjecting them to prosecution.

The suit, filed at the High Court in Accra, names the Minister for the Interior, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), and the Attorney-General as defendants.Ghanaian tourism

Democracy Hub argues that the government’s deportation approach violates Section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which mandates prosecution for individuals engaged in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

According to the group, over 100 foreign nationals involved in galamsey and related activities have been deported without facing trial in Ghanaian courts.

The Interior Ministry, however, has defended the policy, stating that it is not aimed at favouring foreign nationals or being lenient.

Rather, it said, the move is to prevent further abuse of the legal system and to protect the country’s national interest.

The case is expected to test the balance between immigration enforcement and adherence to the legal provisions governing mining activities in Ghana.