Togolese Illegal Miner Sentenced to 18 Years, Five Others Granted Bail
The court emphasized the severe environmental consequences of illegal mining
- A Togolese national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for engaging in illegal mining
- Five other individuals arrested for similar offenses were granted bail with strict conditions
The Koforidua Circuit Court A has sentenced Togolese national Shaibu Yaw to 18 years in prison with hard labor for his involvement in illegal mining at Akyem Mouso, located in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.
This sentence follows his arrest during a crackdown on the rampant issue of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” which poses a significant threat to Ghana’s environment.
Presiding Judge Abigail Animah Asare convicted Shaibu after he admitted to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and operating without a valid license.
Along with his prison term, he was fined 10,000 penalty units for each offense, bringing his total financial liability to 20,000 penalty units, which must be paid consecutively.
During his opportunity to speak, Shaibu implored the court to allow him to return to Togo with a commitment to refrain from illegal mining in the future. However, Judge Animah Asare underscored the severe environmental damage caused by such activities, justifying the harsh sentence.
In addition to Shaibu’s conviction, five others arrested for illegal mining at Akyem Adasawase were granted bail after careful consideration. Eric Niko and David Kodza received bail set at GH¢250,000 each, requiring two verified sureties with property.
Robert Mawuli and Awuli David were granted bail of GH¢50,000 each, with similar requirements, while Nana Kojo Ayimadu’s bail was set at GH¢20,000, necessitating three sureties residing within the court’s jurisdiction.
The state prosecution has requested additional time to amend details in the charges against the five, leading to a hearing adjournment until November 4, 2024.
Following the court’s decisions, the Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Mohammad Amao, expressed his approval of the outcome and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to combating illegal mining and its detrimental effects on the environment.
This case highlights Ghana’s ongoing efforts to address illegal mining and protect its natural resources.
