President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that Cabinet has approved the Public Tribunals Bill, a major policy initiative aimed at delivering swift justice in illegal mining (galamsey) cases and easing pressure on Ghana’s traditional court system.

Speaking during a meeting with the Christian Council at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, President Mahama said the Bill will empower dedicated tribunals to adjudicate galamsey-related cases faster and more effectively.

“What the Cabinet did was to pass the Public Tribunals Bill so that we will push issues related to illegal mining to the public tribunals. They will adjudicate faster and ensure that justice is seen to be done,” he stated.

He emphasized that once implemented, the law will significantly improve the processing time of illegal mining cases, serving as a strong deterrent to offenders and reinforcing national efforts to curb environmental degradation.

A Stronger Fight Against Environmental Destruction

President Mahama stressed that the Bill is part of a broader national agenda to protect Ghana’s forests, rivers, and farmlands from the harmful effects of illegal mining.
The NDC government believes that faster adjudication and stricter enforcement will help restore damaged ecosystems and renew public confidence in the rule of law.

Building Systems That Outlast Administrations

Beyond the legal reforms, the President outlined his long-term goal of building resilient governance structures that future administrations cannot easily dismantle.

“My mission is to use the mandate Ghanaians have given me to move Ghana to a level where anybody who comes after cannot reverse the gains that we have made,” he said.

He linked this ambition to increasing global and regional instability caused by weak institutions and poor governance practices. According to him, Ghana must strengthen its systems to safeguard democracy and ensure stable development.

Renewed Commitment to Accountability

President Mahama reiterated his administration’s resolve to enhance accountability, stabilize the economy, and pursue several ongoing corruption-related cases involving officials of the previous administration.
This, he noted, forms part of a renewed focus on protecting public resources and consolidating governance reforms.

As the government intensifies efforts to build stronger institutions, the Public Tribunals Bill stands out as a decisive tool in Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining and the broader push for sustainable national progress.