Supreme Court nominee, Justice Philip Bright Mensah, has recommended Chinese language training for judges presiding over illegal mining (galamsey) cases involving foreign nationals.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, Justice Mensah emphasized the growing need to bridge communication gaps in courtrooms, particularly where accused persons do not speak English.
He noted that many foreign nationals, especially Chinese suspects involved in galamsey, either lack English proficiency or choose not to speak the language, thereby complicating legal proceedings.
If judges understand Chinese, they won’t depend heavily on interpreters, who sometimes complicate cases”, Justice Mensah said.
He explained that while court interpreters serve a vital role, their involvement can sometimes result in distorted facts or misinterpretations that affect trial outcomes. Direct understanding, he added, would enhance accuracy, efficiency, and fairness in the administration of justice.
Justice Mensah’s remarks echo previous concerns raised by George Agbenowoshi, former Deputy Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, who in June 2024 cited language barriers as a major factor in the delay and dismissal of many galamsey-related prosecutions.
The proposal also aligns with the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining, which includes the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of foreign nationals involved in the practice.
The suggestion is expected to generate broader debate around the resourcing of the judiciary and language policy in Ghana’s legal system.
