A Togolese national, Shaibu Yaw, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison with hard labor by the Koforidua Circuit Court A for his involvement in illegal mining activities at Akyem Mouso in the Eastern Region’s Atewa West District. His conviction is part of Ghana’s intensified crackdown on “galamsey,” which has caused widespread environmental destruction.
Presiding Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, serving in an additional role at the circuit court, handed down the sentence after Shaibu pleaded guilty to conspiracy and engaging in illegal mining without a valid license. In addition to the prison sentence, Shaibu faces a hefty financial penalty of 20,000 penalty units, to be paid consecutively.
Despite his plea to be deported back to Togo, Shaibu’s request was denied. The judge emphasized the severe environmental consequences of his actions and the need for a firm stance to deter others from engaging in illegal mining activities.
The court also addressed the cases of five other individuals arrested for similar offenses in the nearby Akyem Adasawase area. These individuals were granted bail with strict conditions as the prosecution prepares to amend the charge sheets. The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners welcomed the court’s decision, reinforcing the importance of tackling illegal mining to preserve Ghana’s natural resources.
