The Accra High Court has heard that two Chinese nationals, Li Wei Guo and Shi Mei Zhi, allegedly involved in illegal mining operations linked to Aisha Huang, irregularly obtained work and residence permits.
This revelation came as part of an ongoing trial involving three accused persons, including a Ghanaian, Nana Kwame Opoku, also known as Obolo.
Li Wei Guo and Shi Mei Zhi face charges of conspiracy and undertaking mining operations without a license, contrary to Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995. They are also accused of making false representations in obtaining immigration permits, breaching provisions of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
The court heard that between 2017 and 2018, the two Chinese nationals, assisted by Nana Kwame Opoku, acquired land at Dunkwa Nwinso in the Eastern Region, where they engaged in illegal mining activities. Investigations revealed that their work and residence permits were fraudulently secured, raising further legal concerns about their stay and operations in Ghana.
The case forms part of broader investigations into illegal mining activities associated with Aisha Huang, the “Galamsey Queen.” Huang, recently sentenced to four years in prison for her role in illegal mining and re-entering Ghana after deportation, was linked to several foreign nationals accused of facilitating or participating in galamsey operations across the country.
Cross-examination of the second accused was completed on November 13, with the third accused opening his defense the following day. The trial continues as the state seeks to address the alleged violations of Ghana’s immigration and mining laws.