‘Galamsey queen’ Aisha Huang jailed 4 years, six months, fined GH¢48k

En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison, accompanied by a GH¢48,000 fine.

The Accra High Court found her guilty of undertaking a mining operation without a license, facilitating illegal mining activities, and employing foreigners unlawfully. Additionally, she faced charges for entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry, to which she pleaded guilty.

Despite Aisha Huang’s denial of the charges, the court noted contradictions in her defense statements during the year-long trial. Miracle Attachey, Aisha’s counsel, pleaded for a fine and deportation instead of a custodial sentence, citing her time in custody since October 2022. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atokora Obuobisa, argued for a maximum custodial sentence and deportation, considering the impact of Aisha’s actions on affected communities.

Aisha Huang’s case stems from allegations of involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) in the Ashanti Region. Initially deported in 2018, she returned to Ghana and faced prosecution for both prior and new offenses. The guilty plea for prohibited re-entry was part of a Plea Bargaining agreement with the State.