Lead Counsel for the embattled Aisha Huang, Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, has lamented over the judge’s refusal to grant his client bail for the second attempt.
According to the lawyer, the Judge “failed to concentrate on the criminal charges at stake” and rather focused solely on the effects of the illegal operation on the country’s natural bodies.
In an exclusive interview with Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9 FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben” socio-political talk show, he registered his displeasure over the judge’s decision as he reiterated that “individuals are innocent until proven guilty by the court”.
“I’m sad because what happened in the court room today wasn’t right by me and I was not happy at all. When they called for the case, I tried to ask for bail for my client. I mentioned all the points that needs to be stressed but unfortunately the judge concentrated solely on the fact that our water bodies are being destroyed through galamsey operation and for that reason My Lord refused to admit my client to bail,” he shared.
Lawyer Effah Dartey furthered, “In fact what saddens me is I tried to tell them to concentrate on the criminal charges before him. Mining without license, trading in mineral without licenses and the fact that the constitution says any person brought before the court is innocent until proven guilty but my lord did not address his mind to that. My lord concern was the danger on our water body, the destruction of our environment, the legal activities of galamsey and what has that got to do with bail for my client”.
On Tuesday, September 27, Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey made a second application for bail for his client Aisha Huang in an Accra Circuit Court.
The Chinese national pleaded not guilty to her suspected illegal mining activities but remains in police custody.
However, the presiding judge, Samuel Bright Acquah denied the bail for the second time. He also urged the Judiciary to take a strong stance against illegal mining to save Ghana’s water bodies.
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