The Koforidua Circuit Court A has sentenced Shaibu Yaw, a Togolese, to 18 years in prison in hard labour for engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, at Akyem Mouso, in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern Region.
Shaibu pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and engaging in mining without a valid licence.
The court, presided over by High Court judge, Abigail Animah Asare, serving as additional Circuit Court judge, also imposed GH¢120,000 on Shaibu on both counts.
The prison term will run concurrently, meaning, Shaibu will serve both sentences at the same time.
However, the fine, which translates to a total of GH¢240,000, will run consecutively, thus the financial penalties for each count must be paid separately.
Shaibu pleaded with the court to allow him to return to his country, Togo, with a promise never to return to Ghana to engage in illegal mining.
Judge Asare emphasised the
seriousness of illegal mining, noting its devastating impact on Ghana’s natural resources.
In a related development, five other suspects also appeared before the court for allegedly engaging in galamsey at Akyem Adasawase.
Eric Niko, David Kodza, Robert Mawuli, Awuli David, and Nana Kojo Ayimadu, were arrested on October 16, 2024, by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners taskforce.
Niko and Kodza were granted GH¢250,000 bail each with two sureties that must be justified with property. The sureties were asked to provide evidence that their property was sufficient to cover the bail amount, and all necessary documents must be verified by the court.
Meanwhile, Mawuli and Awuli were granted GH¢50,000, bail each with two sureties, who must be persons of high standing.
Ayimadu was granted GH¢20,000 bail, and he must provide three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and they are required to leave copies of their Ghana Cards with the court.
The state prosecution had requested additional time to amend details in the charge sheets for the five accused, and the court adjourned to November 4, 2024.
The Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners in Akim Oda, Mohammad Amao, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case.
Speaking to Channel One News, he reiterated the association’s commitment to combating illegal mining, particularly in areas where such activities have polluted water bodies and degraded the environment. – CitiNewsRoom.com
