Aisha Huang, widely known as the ‘galamsey queen’ and an illegal mining kingpin in Ghana, has been sentenced to 4 and a half years in prison, accompanied by a fine of GH₵48,000.
The verdict was delivered by an Accra High Court on Monday, December 4, 2023.
Aisha Huang faced charges related to illegal mining, including undertaking mining operations without a license, facilitating the involvement of individuals in mining operations, illegal employment of foreigners, and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
Despite maintaining her innocence, the court sided with prosecutors, agreeing that Aisha had abused the hospitality extended to her and violated her repatriation arrangement by returning to Ghana.
Deputy Attorney General, Alfred-Tuah Yeboah, has assured that Aisha Huang will be deported after serving her sentence.
Background
Aisha Huang was previously deported in 2018 for accusations of engaging in small-scale mining without a license.
However, reports surfaced that she clandestinely returned to Ghana to resume similar activities, leading to her prosecution in October 2022 for crimes committed both before her deportation and since her re-entry.
Initially pleading not guilty to various charges, including illegal mining operations and illegal employment of foreigners, Aisha changed her plea on May 3, 2023, admitting to entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry under the Immigration Act, 2000, Act 573.
This change followed a Plea-Bargaining agreement with the State’s Office of the Attorney General.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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