Over 850 Facing Prosecution for Galamsey – AG1 min read

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has announced that more than 850 individuals are currently undergoing prosecution for their suspected involvement in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

This update comes as concerns mount over the severe damage galamsey is inflicting on the nation’s water sources and forest reserves.

During his address at the 2024/2025 annual general conference of the Ghana Bar Association, Yeboah Dame shared that investigations are underway into 140 cases of illegal mining across five regions: Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East.

He acknowledged the difficulties faced by prosecutors in court but noted the progress made, including 76 convictions since August 2021, such as the high-profile case of the Chinese galamsey figure, Aisha Huang.

Yeboah Dame reassured that the government remains dedicated to combating galamsey, with severe penalties for those convicted. Non-Ghanaians face a minimum of 15 years in prison and substantial fines, while Ghanaian offenders are also subjected to significant penalties.

The Attorney General mentioned that some cases are nearing resolution and expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ongoing role in addressing illegal mining.

“Illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to wreak havoc on our forest reserves and water bodies. Despite the challenges faced by prosecutors, there has been notable progress in the criminal division, though more work remains.

“Since August 2021, at least 76 individuals, including 18 foreigners, have been convicted, with Aisha Huang, the infamous Chinese galamsey queen, receiving a conviction on December 4, 2023, for offenses from 2014 to 2016 during the previous administration.

“Convictions under the new Act 995 typically involve a minimum sentence of 15 years and significant fines for non-Ghanaians, with non-Ghanaians facing a minimum of 20 years and heavier fines.

“Currently, over 140 cases involving more than 850 accused individuals are being prosecuted across the Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, and Upper East regions, with some nearing completion.”