The Koforidua Circuit Court A has sentenced a Togolese national, Shaibu Yaw, to 18 years in prison with hard labour for illegal mining activities in Akyem Mouso, located in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.
The court presided over by High Court Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, who was sitting with additional responsibilities, convicted Shaibu after he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and mining without a license. In addition to his prison sentence, Shaibu was fined 10,000 penalty units on both counts.
The 18-year prison sentence will run concurrently, while the fine, which totals 20,000 penalty units, will run consecutively.
Before sentencing, Shaibu pleaded for leniency, requesting to return to his home country of Togo, and promising not to engage in illegal mining in Ghana again. However, the court informed him of his right to appeal against the judgment.
Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, in delivering the sentence, cited the increasing prevalence of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” in the country, which has become a significant national issue. She then instructed court interpreters to explain the sentencing and urged everyone present to refrain from engaging in illegal mining.
In a related development, five other individuals who were arrested for alleged illegal mining activities in Akyem Adasawase were granted bail. The accused—Eric Niko, David Kodza, Robert Mawuli, Awuli David, and Nana Kojo Ayimadu—were arrested on October 16, 2024, by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners Taskforce.
The state prosecution requested more time to amend the charges against the accused, while their lawyer, Kwaku Ahinkan Oware, argued for bail, noting that the defendants had been in custody since their arrest. He also requested that the charges be addressed count by count.
Her Lordship Asare granted bail to Eric Niko and David Kodza, each set at GH¢250,000 with two sureties justified by property. Robert Mawuli and Awuli David were granted GH¢50,000 bail with two sureties each, while Nana Kojo Ayimadu was granted bail set at GH¢20,000 with three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The court also required all sureties to present copies of their Ghana Cards.
The case was adjourned to November 4, 2024.
Following the proceedings, Mohammad Amao, Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners Taskforce in Akim Oda, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He reiterated the association’s commitment to continuing efforts to rid illegal miners who are polluting water bodies across the country.
