Lands and Natural Resources minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor on Tuesday, 11th October, 2022, at the High Court Complex in Accra, joined the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Godfred Yeboah-Dame, who personally appeared on behalf of the Republic, in the prosecution of five Chinese nationals, including Aisha Huang, involved in illegal mining.
In case number CR/0678/22, titled The Republic v Shi Yang alias Philip, Li Wei Guo, Shi Mei Zhi and Nguyen Thi Thanh Tiyen, the four Chinese nationals are standing trial for engaging in small scale mining without a licence and remaining in the country after the expiration of their licence.
They pleaded not guilty, and have been remanded into National Investigation Bureau(NIB) custody, pending the trial. The case has been adjourned to 1st November, 2022 to enable the State file its disclosures.
In Case No. CR/0676/22, titled The Republic v En Huang alias Aisha Huang, the accused person is also standing trial for engaging in mining without a licence. The AG has, already, filed four (4) witness statements and eighteen (18) documents to rely on at the trial.
The AG intends to file four (4) additional witness statements and other documents to rely on at the trial.
The case has been adjourned to 24th October, 2022 to enable the AG file the necessary documents.
Aside the various reforms being implemented by the Akufo-Addo Government to fight the galamsey menace, law enforcement, including the prosecution and punishment of those involved in these illegalities is crucial.
According to the minister, Government is, therefore, committed to ensuring that those who engage in illegal mining, irrespective of their nationality, social or political standing, are made to face the full rigours of the law, to serve as a deterrent to others.
He stressed that “No one will be spurred in this fight, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to come to grips with this matter”.
Source:Kwabena Nyarko Abronma
