Following the contentious sentencing of Aisha Huang, also referred to as the “galamsey queen,” renowned socio-political journalist Bismark Brown, host of “Epa Hoa Daben” on Happy 98.9 FM, has delivered a biting indictment on what he believed to be a
“light” sentence imposed on the Chinese national.
“The punishment for Aisha is not enough because her actions have caused so much damage to our forest, water bodies, lands, and we have laws that protect the environment,” Bismark Brown bemoaned during his fiery broadcast.
Expressing his concern, Brown highlighted the systemic issues contributing to the illegal mining epidemic, asserting, “Most of our leaders allow foreigners into the country and engage in illegal mining due to its benefits. She has raped our nation’s resources because she had the support of political actors found in both major political parties in the country.”
The controversial ‘galamsey queen’ was recently sentenced to 4 and a half years in prison, coupled with a fine of GH₵48,000. However, Brown argued that the punishment does not align with the magnitude of the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining activities.
“As a country that is fighting against illegal mining and a foreigner is only sentenced to 4 and a half years in jail, this is questionable. How do we deter others from this malicious art?” Brown questioned passionately.
Drawing attention to the disparities in sentencing, he highlighted previous cases involving Ghanaian nationals engaged in illegal mining, stating, “Ghanaians who were involved in illegal mining and were convicted served longer years in prison as compared to the case of Aisha. Are we serious about fighting this menace of galamsey?”
Bismark Brown backed his arguments with recent reports, revealing, “There are reports of 21 Ghanaians sentenced to a total of 340 years in imprisonment for illegal mining in five different sites in the western region, on September 17, 2023, five sentenced to 125 years for illegally mining in Ankobra River, amongst others.”
An Accra High Court sentenced Aisha Huang for undertaking a mining operation without a license, facilitating illegal mining operations, the illegal employment of foreigners, and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
Bismark Brown’s passionate comments, echo the thoughts of many who doubt the legal reaction to the environmental and social ramifications of illicit mining in Ghana.
