Three Charged in Connection with Aisha Huang Galamsey Case

Three individuals have been charged in connection with the high-profile illegal mining (galamsey) case involving Aisha Huang. They face accusations of conspiracy to undertake mining operations without a license, in violation of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019.

Specific Charges:
1. Li Wei Guo (First Accused)
– Charged with false representation to obtain a work permit, violating Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

2. Shi Mei Zhi and Nana Kwame Opoku (alias Obolo)
– Both charged with false representation to secure residence permits under the same provision of the Immigration Act.

3. Third Accused
– Accused of facilitating the involvement of non-Ghanaians in illegal mining activities, contrary to Section 99(5)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act.

Background:
The charges follow investigations initiated on September 14, 2022, after intelligence from the Ministry of National Security in Kumasi revealed the involvement of the accused in illegal mining. They were arrested at their residence in Paraku Estates near Daaban, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.

Court Proceedings:
– The second accused concluded cross-examination on November 13.
– The third accused commenced their defense on November 14.

The case is ongoing as authorities work to address violations of mining and immigration laws, adding to the broader investigation into illegal mining activities in Ghana.pp