An Accra High Court has sentenced notorious galamsey queen, Aisha Huang to a four- and half-year jail term for mining offences.
Aisha Huang, shall addition to a fine of GH₵48,000.
This was announced by an Accra High Court on Monday, December 4, 2023.
The Chinese national, also known as En Huang, was standing trial for undertaking a mining operation without a licence, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in mining operation, the illegal employment of foreigners and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
But Aisha Huang denies insisting she has never been involved in illegal mining.
Her re-arrest after she sneaked into the country triggered public debate amidst accusation of government of threatening her with kid gloves.
It will be recalled that Aisha Huang was accused of financing galamsey activities resulting in the destruction of forests and water bodies, especially in the Ashanti Region.
Her release and subsequent deportation in 2018, after the Attorney General decided to discontinue her trial for engaging in small-scale mining without licence, provoked angry reactions amidst suspicions about government’s commitment towards fighting the menace.
Aisha Huang however reportedly sneaked into the country to continue her clandestine activities till her cover was blown up.
On May 3, this year, she pleaded guilty to entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry contrary to section 20(4) of the Immigration Act, 2000, Act 573.
The prosecution argued in Court that that Aisha had an illegal mining concession at Bepotenten in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region and also operated a mining support services company.
She had pleaded not guilty to undertaking a mining operation without a licence, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in a mining operation, the illegal employment of foreigners, and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
