The Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, has revealed that over one hundred and forty (140) cases related to illegal mining, also known as galamsey, are currently under review in various courts nationwide.
He identified the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater-Accra, and Upper East regions as the areas handling these cases.
He assured that many of these cases are nearing conclusion.
Speaking at the Annual Ghana Bar Association Conference, he explained that approximately 850 individuals are awaiting prosecution in connection with these cases.
He criticized the growing trend of what he referred to as “unnecessary applications and frivolous interlocutory appeals” filed by so-called high-profile individuals.
He stated that this practice is taking a toll on the judiciary, highlighting its broader impact on the country.
He cited the case of the notorious Chinese Galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who was convicted on December 4, 2023, for crimes committed between 2014 and 2016 during the previous government’s tenure as one of the significant strides made by his outfit.
“They include the acclaimed Chinese galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, who was convicted on 4th December, 2023 of offences committed between 2014 and 2016 in the era of the previous government. Most of the convicts were sentenced under the new law – Act 995 to a minimum of 15 years plus a heavy fine in the case of a Ghanaian and a minimum of 20 years plus a hefty fine for a non-Ghanaian. Currently, over 140 cases of illegal mining involving over 850 accused persons are being prosecuted in courts in the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater-Accra and Upper East Regions of Ghana. Some are near conclusion”.
“Since August 2021, a total of 76 individuals have been convicted for illegal mining offenses, comprising 18 foreigners and 58 Ghanaians,”he added.
He also expressed concern over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly the severe pollution of rivers like the Bonsa and Pra, and the degradation of forest reserves such as Tano Nimiri and Draw River.
“The environmental damage caused by illegal mining, including severe pollution of rivers like the Bonsa and Pra, and the destruction of forest reserves such as Tano Nimiri and Draw River, remains a pressing issue,” he added.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has reported water supply disruptions to Cape Coast, Elmina, and nearby areas due to pollution from galamsey activities.
Despite the government’s ongoing efforts, including deploying security forces and arresting offenders, the threat of illegal mining continues, requiring sustained vigilance and intervention.
even though prosecution of so-called high-profile economic crime is often thwarted by unjustified delays occasioned by the filing of unnecessary applications and frivolous interlocutory appeals.