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More than 850 people are presently being prosecuted for their suspected involvement in illicit mining activities, often known as galamsey, according to Attorney General and Minister of Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame.
This revelation coincides with growing worries about the catastrophic effects of galamsey on Ghana’s forest reserves and rivers.
Dame gave a speech at the Ghana Bar Association’s 2024–2025 annual general conference, outlining the government’s continuous attempts to tackle the problem, with over 140 cases of illicit mining being investigated in five regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Western, Eastern, and Upper East.
“Illegal mining, galamsey, continues to cause damage to our forest reserves and water bodies. In the teeth of the difficulties prosecutors encounter in the courts in the prosecution of illegal mining offences, the criminal division has enjoyed some success, even though there is still room for more to be done,” AG stated.
He mentioned that the courts had obtained 76 convictions since August 2021, one of which was against Aisha Huang, the well-known Chinese galamsey operator.
On December 4, 2023, Huang was found guilty for offenses committed during the previous administration’s tenure from 2014 to 2016.
“From August 2021 till date, at least 76 persons including 18 foreigners have been convicted. They include the acclaimed Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang who was convicted on December 4, 2023, of offences committed between 2014 and 2016,” he added.
Citing the recently enacted Act 995, which stipulates minimum terms of 15 years and heavy fines for non-Ghanaians, the Attorney General further emphasized the severity of the penalties meted out to criminals, some of which are reaching their completion.
According to Act 995, the majority of the guilty were given minimum sentences of 15 years and heavy fines for non-Ghanaians. He clarified, “A minimum of 20 years plus a fine for a non-Ghanaian, and a minimum of 15 years plus a heavy fine in the case of a non-Ghanaian.
Mr. Dame urged the judiciary to keep up its vital role in putting a stop to illicit mining and reassured the public of the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
