Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has reported significant strides in combating illegal mining, or ‘Galamsey,’ under President Akufo-Addo’s second term.
Since August 2021, a total of 76 individuals have been convicted for illegal mining offenses, comprising 18 foreigners and 58 Ghanaians, the Attorney-General said at the Ghana Bar Association Conference in Kumasi on Monday, September 9.
“From August 2021 to date, at least 76 individuals, including 18 foreigners, have been convicted,” Mr. Dame announced.
He highlighted the high-profile case of Aisha Huang, the notorious Chinese Galamsey queen, who was convicted on December 4, 2023, for crimes committed between 2014 and 2016 during the previous government’s tenure.
Under the new legislation, Act 995, those convicted face stringent penalties. Foreigners found guilty now face a minimum sentence of 50 years, while Ghanaians involved in illegal mining are subject to a minimum of 20 years in prison. Most of these convictions have been secured under this new law, which imposes harsh sentences and heavy fines for non-Ghanaian offenders.
In addition to detailing the convictions, Mr. Dame revealed that over 140 illegal mining cases involving more than 850 accused persons are currently being prosecuted across multiple regions, including Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East. He assured that many of these cases are nearing conclusion.
Reflecting on the broader legal landscape, Mr. Dame praised the Legislative Drafting Division within the Attorney-General’s Office, noting their critical role in advancing law reforms.
“They are the unsung heroes—a disciplined and meticulous team of lawyers who are crucial to the smooth functioning of our government. Without their efforts, the legislative arm could not operate effectively,” he said.
Since 2021, the division has drafted approximately 60 Acts of Parliament and numerous subsidiary laws, reinforcing Ghana’s legal framework.
Addressing concerns about the working conditions of state attorneys, Mr. Dame disclosed the challenges faced by the Ministry of Justice, including inadequate infrastructure and lack of essential tools.
“In February 2022, following directives from the President and the Minister of Finance, funds were allocated to improve the ministry’s operations,” he explained.
“As part of these efforts, I facilitated the purchase of 91 vehicles, representing the largest fleet ever acquired for the ministry.”
The environmental impact of illegal mining, including severe pollution of rivers such as the Bonsa and Pra, and destruction of forest reserves like Tano Nimiri and Draw River, remains a major concern.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has reported disruptions in water services to Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas due to pollution from galamsey activities.
Despite ongoing government efforts, including deploying security agencies to affected areas and arresting culprits, the menace of illegal mining persists, necessitating continued vigilance and intervention.