En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, an accused illegal miner, has stated before an Accra High Court that she has never visited Bepotenten in the Ashanti Region to engage in any illegal mining activities.
Furthermore, she has refuted claims of meeting with farm owners to obtain lands for illegal mining operations, asserting that she is not proficient in the Twi language.
“I have never had any conversation in Twi language anywhere,” Aisha is quoted to have said while answering questions under cross-examination by Mrs Yvonne Atakorah Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution.
Aisha Huang acknowledged being the owner of Aisha Supermarket, located in Ahodwo, Kumasi. She disclosed that her company’s official name was Golden Asia Company Limited, which had objectives encompassing the import and export of general goods as well as mining services. However, she clarified that although mining was listed as part of the company’s objectives, she did not possess a license to engage in mining activities.
En Huang admitted to being a director of the company rather than the secretary. She further revealed that she operated the supermarket from 2013 to 2018 and held the necessary permits to run that business.
Currently, En Huang is on trial for charges including undertaking mining operations without a license, facilitating the involvement of individuals in illegal mining, and re-entering Ghana despite being prohibited.
She has pleaded not guilty, and Justice Lydia Osei Marfo has remanded her into lawful custody. The hearing has been adjourned.