Galamsey kingpin Aisha Huang returns to Bepotenteng mining site - Part Two

When they were taken to court, Aisha was 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 .

En Huang was also 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 were charged with disobedience of directive given under the Immigration Act 2000 (Act 573.

In granting bail, the court held that the state failed to prove that Aisha and her compatriots would interfere with investigations.

Also the court was of the view that the state failed to prove that the accused persons were flight risk and would not avail themselves to stand trial when granted bail.

The petition by Volta Resources raised concerns with the inability of the state to seize the equipment owned by Aisha Huang.

According to the petition, six excavators and other materials remained at the illegal site of Aisha Huang and under her direct control.

Mr Ashigbey said there was the need for investigators to do a thorough investigation on the issues raised in the petition by Volta Resources.

That, he said, would enable the police to close all gaps to be able to put up a competent case in court to strengthen the fight against galamsey.

He therefore called for the seizure of the six excavators and other materials remaining at the illegal site.

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