Court revokes order to release excavators seized in Boin Forest illegal mining case

The Enchi District Court has reversed its earlier decision. This decision involved the release of two Liugong excavators and other mining equipment. These items were seized from illegal miners in the Boin Forest Reserve.

On April 2, 2025, Judge Lawrence Buenor Buer delivered the ruling. He acknowledged that the court had no authority to release the equipment. This was based on a previous decision made on March 28.

The judge cited legal errors and declared the earlier ruling null and void. He stated, “The District Court lacks jurisdiction over illegal mining activities.”

As a result, the court ordered the Enchi Police Command and Forestry Commission to find and secure the seized equipment.

Judge Buer explained that since the previous order was void, it is now set aside. This includes all orders related to releasing the excavators and mining equipment.

The machinery will stay with the Forestry Commission until a higher court decides on the case.

Judge Buer referenced past Supreme Court rulings for support. These include Moshie vs. Begyina (1963) and Attoh Quarshie vs. Okpoti (1973). They establish that courts can correct their mistakes to uphold judicial integrity.

This case involves six individuals accused of illegal mining activities. Four of them are currently absent, while two remain at large.