En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, has been handed a four-year, six-month prison sentence, accompanied by a GH¢48,000 fine, and an order of deportation following her conviction by the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court.
The presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei-Marfo, delivered the verdict, finding Huang guilty on charges related to undertaking illegal mining operations without a license, facilitating the involvement of individuals in such activities, the illegal employment of foreigners, and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
Despite Huang’s denial of all charges, the court noted inconsistencies in her defense statements during the one-year, two-month trial. Seated calmly in the dock wearing a nose mask and white scarf, Huang faced the consequences of her actions.
Miracle Attachey, Huang’s counsel, emphasized her time in custody since October 2022 during the plea for mitigation. He highlighted her cooperation with the prosecution and the expeditious handling of the re-entry charge.
Responding to the sentence, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Yvonne Atokora Obuobisa called for a maximum custodial sentence and deportation, considering the impact of Huang’s actions on affected families and witnesses. The DPP stressed the need for the sentence to reflect the harm caused to the people of Ghana, the communities affected, and the livelihoods disrupted by Huang’s illegal activities.
Background:
Aisha Huang, previously accused of involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) in the Ashanti Region, was deported in 2018. The Attorney General discontinued her trial for small-scale mining without a license. However, she allegedly returned to engage in similar activities, leading to her prosecution in October 2022 for both past and new crimes.
The prosecution asserted that Huang had an illegal mining concession in the Amansie West District and operated a mining support services company. Despite initially pleading not guilty, she later admitted to entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry through a Plea Bargaining agreement with the State.
In response to the sentencing, Huang’s counsel requested a fine and deportation, citing concerns about the financial burden a custodial sentence would place on the state, particularly the prison service.
