Chinese national, En Huang, widely known as Aisha Huang, has been handed a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence and a GH¢48,000 fine for her involvement in illegal mining activities in Ghana.
The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei-Marfo, found Aisha Huang guilty of operating a mining venture without a license, enabling the participation of individuals in illegal mining operations, and the unlawful employment of foreigners. Additionally, she pleaded guilty to the charge of entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
The court, led by Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, asserted that the state successfully proved Aisha Huang’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Despite Aisha Huang’s denial of all charges, the court noted inconsistencies in her defense statements during the year-and-two-month-long trial.
Aisha Huang, who appeared in court wearing a nose mask and white scarf, will face deportation after serving her prison term.
During the plea of mitigation, Aisha Huang’s counsel, Miracle Attachey, argued for a fine and deportation, emphasizing the financial burden a custodial sentence would impose on the state, considering his client’s time in custody since October 2022.
In response, the Director of Public Prosecutions advocated for a maximum custodial sentence and deportation, citing the impact of Aisha Huang’s actions on affected families and witnesses.
Background:
Aisha Huang was previously deported in 2018 for alleged involvement in illegal mining. However, she reportedly returned to Ghana and engaged in similar activities. In October 2022, the Attorney-General decided to prosecute her for both the previous and new alleged crimes.
The prosecution accused Aisha Huang of holding an illegal mining concession in the Ashanti Region and operating a mining support services company. Despite initially pleading not guilty to multiple charges, Aisha Huang later pleaded guilty to entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry as part of a Plea Bargaining agreement with the State.
Due to the timing of the offenses, Aisha Huang was sentenced under the old mining law, the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which carries a maximum five-year jail term for illegal mining. This law was replaced in 2019 by the Minerals and Mining Act, 2019 (Act 995), prescribing a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison for convicted illegal miners
