3 Aisha Huang’s galamsey accomplices face lengthy jail terms 

Three persons linked to the Aisha Huang illegal mining case have been charged with various criminal offences. 

According to the Accra High Court, their actions violate Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019.

Li Wei Guo, the first accused, is facing charges of false representation in obtaining a work permit, contrary to Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

Shi Mei Zhi, the second accused, is charged with false representation in obtaining residence permits, also under Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

Nana Kwame Opoku (alias Obolo) being the third accused, is also facing charges of facilitating the participation of non-Ghanaians in illegal mining, contrary to Section 99(5)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.

Background

The charges of the accused follow investigations launched on September 14, 2022, following intelligence from the Ministry of National Security in Kumasi.

Reports indicated that the first and second accused persons, both Chinese nationals, were involved in illegal mining activities.

Subsequently, law enforcement officers arrested them at their residence in Paraku Estates near Daaban in the Ashanti Region, while investigations continued.

The second accused’s cross-examination concluded on November 13, 2024, while the third accused began presenting his defence on Thursday, November 14.

Their leader, Aisha Huang, was jailed for four and a half years in December 2023 after she was found guilty of mining without a license.

Additionally, she was fined GH¢48,000 and will be deported after serving her jail term.

Aisha Huang was hauled before the Accra High Court following her return to Ghana and alleged involvement in illegal mining operations (galamsey).