With illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey on the rise, the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame has shared pride in the fact that some 850 persons are currently prosecution for their alleged part in the illegality.
The revelation comes at a time when there have been many calls for government to take decisive action against illegal miners, and also hold to account government officials and bigwigs of the ruling government.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Yeboah Dame disclosed that 140 cases of illegal mining are under investigation across five regions: Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East.
The Attorney-General highlighted the challenges faced by prosecutors in court, but noted significant progress, including securing 76 convictions since August 2021. Among those convicted is the infamous Chinese galamsey operator, Aisha Huang.
Yeboah Dame assured that the government remains committed to combating the galamsey menace, with stringent penalties imposed on those convicted. These include minimum sentences of 15 years and substantial fines for non-Ghanaians involved in illegal mining activities.
Mr. Dame also mentioned that some cases are nearing conclusion, expressing optimism about the judiciary’s continued role in fighting illegal mining.
“Illegal mining, galamsey, continues to cause damage to our forest reserves and water bodies. Despite 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,” he stated.
He further added, “From August 2021 till date, at least 76 persons, including 18 foreigners, have been convicted. These include the notorious Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who was convicted on December 4, 2023, for offences committed between 2014 and 2016 under the previous government.”
Yeboah Dame emphasized that most of the convicts were sentenced under the new law, Act 995, which mandates a minimum of 15 years plus a hefty fine for non-Ghanaians and a minimum of 20 years plus a fine for non-Ghanaians in some cases.
“Currently, over 140 cases of illegal mining involving over 850 accused persons are being prosecuted in courts across the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East regions of Ghana. Some are near conclusion,” he added.
