The Koforidua Circuit Court A has handed down a significant sentence to Togolese national Shaibu Yaw, convicting him to 18 years imprison with hard labor for his role in illegal mining activities at Akyem Mouso in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.
This verdict is part of a broader crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” which has caused widespread environmental degradation in Ghana. Shaibu was apprehended during a targeted operation against illegal mining operations and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and engaging in mining without a valid license.
Presided over by High Court Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, the court imposed the sentence in response to Shaibu’s admission of guilt. Additionally, the court levied a substantial fine of 10,000 penalty units for each count, totaling 20,000 penalty units.
Notably, the 18-year prison sentence will run concurrently, while the fines will be applied consecutively, requiring Shaibu to pay the amounts separately for each charge.
