Togolese galamseyer jailed 18 years, five others granted bail

The Koforidua Circuit Court A has sentenced a Togolese national, Shaibu Yaw, to 18 years in prison with hard labor for engaging in illegal mining activities at Akyem Mouso in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.

This verdict follows Shaibu’s arrest during a crackdown on illegal mining, a growing issue in Ghana’s fight against environmental degradation caused by “galamsey” operations.

The court, presided over by High Court Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, who was serving in an additional capacity at the circuit court, convicted Shaibu after he pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and engaging in mining without a valid license. Alongside his prison sentence, Shaibu was fined 10,000 penalty units for both counts.

The 18-year prison term will run concurrently, meaning Shaibu will serve both sentences at the same time. However, the fine, which translates to a total of 20,000 penalty units, will run consecutively. This means that the financial penalties for each count must be paid separately, increasing the total amount he owes.

When offered the chance to speak before sentencing, Shaibu pleaded with the court to allow him to return to his home country, Togo, with a promise never to return to Ghana to engage in illegal mining. However, the judge explained that while he has the right to appeal the ruling, the severity of the crime, given its widespread environmental consequences, necessitated such a firm sentence.

In delivering her judgment, Her Lordship Animah Asare emphasized the seriousness of illegal mining, noting its devastating impact on Ghana’s natural resources. She called on her court interpreters to clearly explain the ruling to all present and urged everyone, particularly those involved in “galamsey,” to cease such activities immediately.

In addition to Shaibu’s sentencing, the court also addressed the cases of five other individuals arrested for alleged illegal mining at Akyem Adasawase. These individuals, namely Eric Niko, David Kodza, Robert Mawuli, Awuli David, and Nana Kojo Ayimadu, had been arrested on October 16, 2024, by the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners Taskforce. The court granted them bail, but only after significant deliberation.

Eric Niko and David Kodza were granted bail set at GH¢250,000, each with two sureties that must be justified with property. The sureties are required to provide evidence that their property is sufficient to cover the bail amount, and all necessary documents must be verified by the court.

Meanwhile, Robert Mawuli and Awuli David were granted bail of GH¢50,000, each with two sureties, who must be persons of high standing within the community. This provision ensures that the court has confidence in the ability of these individuals to ensure that the accused meet their bail conditions.

Nana Kojo Ayimadu was granted a slightly lower bail of GH¢20,000, but his bail terms were stricter. He must provide three sureties, all of whom must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and they are required to leave copies of their Ghana Cards with the court as an additional measure of accountability.

The state prosecution had requested additional time to amend certain details in the charge sheets for the five accused, prompting the court to adjourn the hearing to November 4, 2024.

Following the court’s decision, the Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners in Akim Oda, Mohammad Amao, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case. Speaking to Channel One News, he reiterated the association’s commitment to continuing its efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly in areas where such activities have severely polluted water bodies and degraded the environment.

The court’s actions represent a firm stance against illegal mining, which remains a critical issue in Ghana’s quest to preserve its natural resources and protect its environment from further harm.