For his involvement in illicit mining activities in Akyem Mouso in the Eastern Region’s Atewa West District, Togolese national Shaibu Yaw was convicted by Koforidua Circuit Court A to 18 years in jail with hard labor.
The widespread problem of illicit mining, referred to locally as “galamsey,” which has greatly exacerbated Ghana’s environmental deterioration, is being addressed in part by this verdict.
Following his arrest during an operation to combat illicit mining, Shaibu entered a guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime involving unlawful mining and mining without a valid license.
He admitted his guilt, and the court, presided over by High Court Judge Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, responded by imposing the punishment.
The court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units for each count in addition to the jail sentence, for a total financial penalty of 20,000 penalty units.
Although the 18-year prison term will be served concurrently, Shaibu will have to pay the penalties for each crime separately since they will be levied sequentially.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com