Three individuals connected to the high-profile Aisha Huang Galamsey case have been charged with conspiracy to conduct mining operations without a license, violating Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019.
Li Wei Guo, the first accused, faces additional charges for obtaining a work permit through false representation, in violation of Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
Shi Mei Zhi and Nana Kwame Opoku (alias Obolo) are charged with obtaining residence permits through false representation, also under Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).
The third accused is charged with facilitating the involvement of non-Ghanaians in illegal mining, contrary to Section 99(5)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.
The charges arise from an investigation initiated on September 14, 2022, following intelligence from National Security in Kumasi, which indicated that the first and second accused were involved in illegal mining. Law enforcement subsequently arrested the accused at their residence in Paraku Estates near Daaban in the Ashanti Region, leading to a continued investigation of their activities.
The cross-examination of the second accused concluded on November 13, and the third accused began presenting his defense on November 14. The case is ongoing as authorities continue to address alleged breaches of mining and immigration laws linked to the Aisha Huang investigation.