The Chinese Speakers Association of Ghana has responded to a recent news report highlighting the lack of interpreters needed to prosecute Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining activities.
In a detailed statement, the Association refuted these claims and expressed their readiness to provide interpreting services at a reasonable rate.
They are urging the government to engage with them to address this pressing issue.
Deputy Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, George Agbenowoshi, revealed a concerning issue regarding the prosecution of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining activities, known as galamsey.
According to Mr Agbenowoshi, Chinese illegal miners arrested are often released by courts due to a lack of interpreters.
Speaking at a mini ceremony organized by Parliament for the 2024 Green Ghana Day, Mr Agbenowoshi explained that the language barrier causes cases to drag on in court, ultimately resulting in dismissal.
The comment made by the Commission has not been welcomed by members of the general public who believe Ghana has Chinese interpreters. They cited tertiary institutions such as the University of Ghana where Chinese is being taught as a course.
According to Ghanaian users on social media, Chinese tutors could be used by the court as interpreters to ensure delivery of justice is not marred.
As of May 2023, the Attorney General Godfred Dame said the office of the Attorney-General and Department of Justice was conducting criminal prosecutions against 727 persons who engaged in illegal mining activities across the country.
Meanwhile, the Forestry Commission in the Greater Accra Region has identified the lack of logistical support, including vehicles and motorbikes, at its district offices as a major obstacle in combating illegal mining and other degrading activities.
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