A Togolese national, Shaibu Yaw, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison with hard labour by the Koforidua Circuit Court A for engaging in illegal mining (galamsey) at Akyem Mouso in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.
This ruling comes after Shaibu’s arrest during a crackdown on galamsey, a worsening problem in Ghana’s efforts to combat environmental degradation caused by “galamsey” activities.
The court, presided over by High Court Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, who was serving in an additional role at the circuit court, found Shaibu guilty after he admitted to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and conducting mining activities without a valid license. In addition to his prison sentence, Shaibu was fined 10,000 penalty units for both offenses.
The 18-year prison sentence will be served concurrently, meaning Shaibu will complete both sentences simultaneously. However, the fines, amounting to a total of 20,000 penalty units, will be imposed consecutively. This means that the financial penalties for each charge must be paid separately, increasing the total sum he is required to pay.
Eric Niko and David Kodza were each granted bail of GH¢250,000, with two sureties who must justify the amount with property. The sureties are required to present proof that their property can adequately cover the bail amount, and all relevant documents must be verified by the court.
Photo Credit: BBC
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Meanwhile, Robert Mawuli and Awuli David were each granted bail of GH¢50,000, with two sureties required for each. The sureties must be individuals of high standing within the community, providing assurance to the court that they can ensure the accused comply with their bail conditions.
Nana Kojo Ayimadu was granted a slightly lower bail of GH¢20,000, but with stricter conditions. He is required to provide three sureties, all of whom must live within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, each surety must submit copies of their Ghana Cards to the court as an extra measure of accountability.
The state prosecution requested more time to revise specific details in the charge sheets for the five accused individuals, leading the court to postpone the hearing to November 4, 2024.
