The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has announced that over 850 individuals are currently facing prosecution for their alleged involvement in illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
This comes as concerns grow over the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s annual general conference, Yeboah Dame revealed that 140 cases of illegal mining are being investigated across five regions. He acknowledged the challenges faced by prosecutors in court but highlighted progress made, with 76 convictions secured since August 2021.
Notably, the convictions include that of notorious Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang.
“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”.
“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 in the era of the previous government”.
Yeboah Dame’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the scourge of illegal mining and protecting Ghana’s environment.
Yeboah Dame assured that the government is committed to tackling the galamsey menace, with stiff penalties imposed on convicts, including minimum sentences of 15 years and hefty fines for non-Ghanaians.
The Attorney General noted that some cases are nearing conclusion, and expressed confidence that the judiciary will continue to play a crucial role in combating illegal mining.
“Currently, over 140 cases of illegal mining involving over 850 accused persons are being prosecuted in court in the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater and Upper East regions of Ghana. Some are near conclusion.”
