The ground operatives arrested by police are ultimately easily replaced by the persons financing the illegal mining operations, a security analyst, Emmanuel Sowatey, has explained to Citi News.

[contextly_sidebar id=”SVUyki1JjSFbI3jaSoCTjJV7d98bO7ux”]Speaking to Citi News following the Afro barometer round 7 survey results released by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, Mr. Sowatey said there must be a concerted effort to target key players in illegal mining sector which he likened to drug trafficking.

“There are people who live in big houses in Accra who take about 80 percent of the profits. I am drawing my example from drug trafficking in particular. There are barons, there are organizers. There are crew heads.”

“In the fight against galamsey, most of those who are arrested are the corporals and the privates. The big guys who are benefiting and who are well connected are sitting and singing and those who are being arrested are those who are suffering.”

“I think that as a state, we need to connect those who benefit big time, those who are up there taking a lot of the profit, and make sure that when we arrest those on the ground, we are able to tie the labourers to the oga [boss],” Mr. Sowatey stated.

A police and the military joint task force under Operation Vanguard was deployed to three regions considered the most affected by the illegal mining, and close to 400 arrests have been made.

These arrests are in addition to those carried out by regular law enforcement agencies nationwide.

But most of these arrests are noted to be of laborers working on the illegal mining sites, as Mr. Sowatey indicated.

Aisha Huang arrest

The most high-profile illegal mining arrest involved a Chinese national, Aisha Huang, who is suspected to be a kingpin in illegal mining in the Ashanti Region.

It is reported that, she receives backing from some high-profile state officers, including top security personnel.

She is also said to have granted sexual favours to some of the top officials, and continues to enjoy their support due to threats of blackmail if they attempt to expose her.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Target kingpins in galamsey; not just labourers – Gov’t advised appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

She is being tried with four other Chinese nationals for illegally mining in Ghana.

The prosecution led by Director of Public Prosecution, Yvonne Atakora Oboubisa informed the court that their efforts to reach the husband of Aisha have proved futile since her arrest in May.

[contextly_sidebar id=”7G4h0EjKLj3GFmqHuvISZWjheFz2fSLh”]According to them, their investigation has shown that the said husband holds three passports of different countries.

Aisha has been charged with undertaking small-scale mining operations, contrary to Section 99 (1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, (Act 703), and providing mine support services without valid registration with the Minerals Commission, contrary to Section 59 and 99 (2) of the Minerals and Mining Act.

She has also been charged with the illegal employment of foreign nationals, contrary to Section 24 of the Immigration Act, 200 (Act 573) and Regulation 18(1) of the Ghana Immigration Regulations, 2001 (L.I.1691).

The four other Chinese – Gao Jin Cheng, Lu Qi Ju, Haibin Gao and Zhang Zhipeng have been charged with disobedience of directive given under the Immigration Act 2000 (Act 573).

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By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Aisha Huang’s husband ‘gone missing’ – Prosecution reveals appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The order came after the court’s attention was drawn by the prosecution to the fact that, the two failed to meet aspects of the bail condition requiring them to deposit their passports before their release.

[contextly_sidebar id=”BFhoH7tNfr6B2XaynvVBCjFBRReKUQlW”]The two; Gao Jin Cheng and Lu Qi Jun, were part of the four suspects granted bail alongside Aisha Huang, the Chinese woman believed to be deeply engaged in illegal mining.

The five Chinese nationals were granted bail to the tune of GHc 500,000 with two sureties, who must all be Ghanaians residing in Ghana.

The suspects were also to report themselves twice each week to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director General of the Immigration Service, or any assigns of theirs.

The five were also ordered to hand over their passports to officials of the court, which the two apparently failed to do.

They were arrested by the Ghana Immigration Service and arraigned over their alleged involvement in illegal mining in an area belonging to the Volta Resources Company Limited.

The were initially charged with immigration offences, but fresh charges were leveled against them; including undertaking small scale mining operation contrary to section 99 (1) of the Minerals Commission act 2006, providing mining support without valid registration from the minerals commission, illegal employment of foreign nationals contrary to section 24 of the immigration act, and disobedience of directives under the immigration act 2000 (Act 573).

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By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Aisha Huang’s accomplices to be rearrested for flouting bail appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the court, the prosecution did not demonstrate how the accused will interfere with investigations if granted bail.

[contextly_sidebar id=”OHAetuj4Olbfyn38DjI3ITGF8uz30XhX”]The judge, Justice Charles Ekow Baiden, also said the facts the state presented before the court did not match the charges.

He further added that, the state led by the Immigration failed to perform their duties as expected, leaving a number of loopholes in the opposition to the bail application.

The five Chinese were granted bail to the tune of GHs500,000 with two sureties who must all be Ghanaians residing in Ghana.

He also added that, the suspects must report themselves twice each week to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director General of the Immigration Service or any assigns of theirs.

Aisha Huan and the other Chinese nationals have also been ordered to hand over their passports to officials of the court.

Aisha was remanded into prison custody, alongside four other Chinese nationals, after they were arrested by the Ghana Immigration Service, and brought to court a week ago over her alleged involvement in illegal mining in an area belonging to the Volta Resources Company Limited.

The judge, Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden, set June 2, 2017, to give a ruling on the bail application after hearing the case last week.

Some fresh charges had been leveled against her; which includes undertaking small scale mining operation contrary to section 99 (1) of the Minerals Commission act 2006, providing mining support without valid registration from the minerals commission, illegal employment of foreign nationals contrary to section 24 of the immigration act, and disobedience of directives under the immigration act 2000 (Act 573).

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By: Fred Djabanor/ctifimonline.com/Ghana

The post Court grants Aisha Huang bail appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Aisha Huang, whose lawyer moved for the bail application, citing her worsening health, was seen slamming her fists on the seat which she sat on before breaking down in tears.

The lawyers for Aisha Huang filed the bail application last week but, the hearing was adjourned and heard today.

Their application was opposed to by the state which argued that provision would be made to deal with her health problems.

Aisha was remanded in prison custody, alongside four other Chinese nationals, after they were arrested by the Ghana Immigration Service and brought to court a week ago over her alleged involvement in illegal mining in an area belonging to the Volta Resources Company Limited.

The judge, Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden, set June 2, 2017 to give a ruling on the bail application.

Meanwhile, some fresh charges have been leveled against her; which includes undertaking small skill mining operation contrary to section 99 (1) of the Minerals Commission act 2006, providing mining support without valid registration from the minerals commission, illegal employment of foreign nationals contrary to section 24 of the immigration act and disobedience of directives under the immigration act 2000 (Act 573).

Sex and blackmail

Further details later emerged, suggesting Aisha Huang’s notoriety in undertaking illegal small-scale mining in the country with some calling her a kingpin in the Ashanti Region.

It is reported that she is very influential and wields a lot of power due to the backing she receives from some high-profile state officers, including top security personnel.

It is alleged that she had granted sexual favours to some of the top officials and continues to enjoy their support due to threats of blackmail if they attempt to expose her.

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By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Aisha Huang throws tantrum in court after adjournment appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the court presided over by Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden, it had noticed some inconsistencies in the statement in opposition by the state and directed the lawyers correct them and return on May 23, when the substantive matter would be heard.

[contextly_sidebar id=”6pZ5pmPv7yS4bTse8vgWGPSW9eEwUz4g”]Aisha Huang, believed to be deeply engaged in illegal mining in Ghana, was arrested earlier in May by the Ghana Immigration Service over her alleged involvement in illegal mining in an area belonging to the Volta Resources Company Limited.

She was remanded in prison custody alongside four other Chinese nationals.

Sex and blackmail

Further details later emerged, suggesting Ms. Huang’s notoriety in undertaking illegal small-scale mining in the country with some calling her a kingpin in the Ashanti Region.

It is reported that she is very influential and wields a lot of power due to the backing she receives from some high-profile state officers, including top security personnel.

It is alleged that she had granted sexual favours to some of the top officials and continues to enjoy their support due to threats of blackmail if they attempt to expose her.

Lands ministry won’t hold back

The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu indicated his outfit’s resolve to decisively apply the country’s laws against Huang, despite the blackmail threats.

Though some fear her alleged sexual encounters with some state officials could shield her from prosecution, Mr. Amewu does not believe it will influence the application of the country’s laws against her for her involvement in illegal mining.

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By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Galamsey fight: Aisha Huang case adjourned to May 23 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He said although some have argued that her alleged sexual encounters with some state officials shield her from prosecution, he does not believe it will influence the application of the country’s laws against her for her involvement in illegal mining.

[contextly_sidebar id=”aipDJOnLbGx0cQ5YpGQZ9dJYxCUyE2Es”]“It will be a normal process. It is a worry when people say she is powerful, who can be more powerful than the 27 million Ghanaians who voted for the government to come and address their concerns. The majority of this country is more powerful than a single individual so I don’t see any power in the woman,” Mr Amewu said in an interview with Citi News.

He added, “I understand that there are issues that have to do with immorality I mean that has nothing to do with the mining scheme. Who will want to hold someone to ransom because the person is holding them to an immoral attitude by a counterpart?”

Aisha Huang, a Chinese woman believed to be deeply engaged in illegal mining in Ghana was arrested earlier this month over her involvement in the galamsey, in spite of the country’s clear laws that frowns on the practice.

She together with four other Chinese Nationals with the support of Ghanaians, was reportedly mining in an area belonging to the Volta Resources Company Limited.

Further details later emerged, suggesting Ms. Huang’s notoriety in undertaking illegal small-scale mining in the country.

It is reported that she is very influential and wields a lot of power due to the backing she receives from some high-profile state officers including top security personnel.

It was later alleged that she had granted sexual favours to some of the top officials and continues to enjoy their support due to threats of blackmail if they attempt to expose her.

But according to the Lands minister, the state will not relent in applying the law to deal with her.

Aisha Huang is currently in prison custody awaiting the next hearing of her case on May 23, 2017.

Meanwhile, a pressure group, OccupyGhana is raising concerns with the laxity of the charges brought against the suspected Chinese illegal miners.

Making reference to what it said purports to be the charge sheet in the case of Republic v. En Huang & 4 Others, the pressure group said the offenses laid and filed against the suspects did not match the severity of the crimes they committed.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We’ll deal decisively with Aisha Huang despite threats – Amewu appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Making reference to what it said purports to be the charge sheet in the case of Republic v. En Huang & 4 Others, the pressure group said the offences laid and filed against the suspects did not match the severity of the crime.

[contextly_sidebar id=”r7GiWOttBN2F5pVJTXXK69N7WdHU4en6″]In a statement, OccupyGhana noted that “under the Statements of Offence, the accused persons are charged with the offences of (i) Illegal Employment of Foreign Nationals (in breach of section 24 of the Immigration Act and regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations), and (ii) Disobedience of Directive Given (in breach of section 52 of the Immigration Act.)”

But under the particulars of offence, Occupy Ghana pointed out that the first accused person, the now-infamous En ‘Aisha’ Huang, had employed the others to engage in illegal mining. thus all accused persons, being holders of visitors’ visas had disobeyed the condition that required them not to engage in any employment in Ghana.

Thus all accused persons, being holders of visitors’ visas had disobeyed the condition that required them not to engage in any employment in Ghana, of which punishment demands a maximum fine of GH¢12,000 and/or a maximum prison term of two years, under section 52 of the Immigration Act.

This notwithstanding, OccupyGhana said immigration offences laid and filed against the Accused Persons do not match the severity of the act of employing or being employed illegally at a small-scale mining site.

Charges under Mining act more appropriate

The group noted that offences under the Minerals and Mining Act would be more fitting for the severity of the offences.

“From our research, foreigners are absolutely prohibited from engaging in small-scale mining in Ghana. It is, therefore, an offence under section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act for foreigners to engage in small-scale mining, and offenders attract a fine between GH¢360,000 and GH¢3.6M, and/or a maximum jail term of 20 years.”

Thus, According to the group, if these Accused Persons employed others or were employed to mine illegally, then the immigration charges that have been laid and filed are really minor as compared to what the law provides for in the Minerals and Mining Act.

“We, therefore, Petition your office to call for the docket on this matter, investigate the charges laid and filed, and if found necessary, for fresh, proper, weightier and more relevant charges to be filed or added.”

Find below the full occupy Ghana statement

PETITION TO THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL OVER CHARGES LAID AND FILED IN THE CASE OF REPUBLIC V. EN HUANG & 4 OTHERS (CASE NO. CR 344/2017)

OccupyGhana® has seen a copy of what purports to be the Charge Sheet in the case of Republic v. En Huang & 4 Others (Case No. CR 344/2017) and dated 8th May 2017, and a copy is attached for ease of reference.

We note that under the Statements of Offence, the accused persons are charged with the offences of (i) Illegal Employment of Foreign Nationals (in breach of section 24 of the Immigration Act and regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations), and (ii) Disobedience of Directive Given (in breach of section 52 of the Immigration Act.)

However, under the Particulars of Offence, we are told that the First Accused Person had employed the other Accused Persons “to work illegally at a small-scale mining site,” and that all the accused persons, being holders of visitors’ visas had also disobeyed the condition that required them “not to engage in any employment in Ghana.”

We are deeply concerned that the immigration offences laid and filed against the Accused Persons do not match the severity of the act of employing or being employed “illegally at a small-scale mining site.” It is true that a person commits an offence if he/she “disobeys or disregards an obligation imposed or directive given by or under [the Immigration] Act.” But the punishment for this offence is a maximum fine of Twelve Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢12,000) and/or a maximum prison term of two (2) years, under section 52 of the Immigration Act. And, unless the law has been changed, regulation 18 of the Immigration Regulations provides that an individual who employs a foreigner in breach of section 24 of the Immigration Act attracts a penalty of only Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH¢500) payable to the Immigration Service. It is only upon failure to pay that measly penalty that the person may be taken to court, not for employing a foreigner illegally, but for failure to pay the measly 500 Cedi and upon conviction pay a fine of Four Thousand and Two Hundred Ghana (GH¢4,200) Cedis.

However, from our research, foreigners are absolutely prohibited from engaging in small-scale mining in Ghana. It is therefore an offence under section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act for foreigners to engage in small scale-mining, and offenders attract a fine between GH¢360,000 and GH¢3.6M, and/or a maximum jail term of 20 years. Further, the equipment used in or associated with the offence and any product derived are to be seized, and are liable to forfeiture by a court order and then allocated to “the appropriate state institution” within 60 days by the Minister responsible for mining.

That is why we are concerned that if these Accused Persons employed others or were employed “to work illegally at a small-scale mining site,” then the immigration charges that have been laid and filed are really minor as compared to what the law provides for in the Minerals and Mining Act.

We therefore Petition your office to call for the docket on this matter, investigate the charges laid and filed, and if found necessary, for fresh, proper, weightier and more relevant charges to be filed or added.

The fight against illegal mining in Ghana is a fight to protect, not only the present, but the future of this country. It is therefore imperative that the law must be applied to all who fall foul of it, without fear or favour.

Yours in the service of God and Country,

OccupyGhana®

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post OccupyGhana petitions AG over ‘soft charges’ for Aisha Huang, others appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.