The conviction of two Chinese and two Ghanaians for unlawfully dealing in gold and money laundering by a Tarkwa Circuit court on November 5, 2021, is a clear testimony of government’s determination to sanitise the country’s mining industry.
Mr George Mireku Duker, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, told the media at a news conference in Accra.
He mentioned the convicts as Chen Hung, alias Labana, a Chinese, Chen Zhili, alias Andy, a Chinese, Stephen Arthur, and Prince Denis Aidoo, both Ghanaians.
The Chinese nationals were found liable to pay a fine of 120,000 penalty units equivalent to GH¢1,440,000 each and in default serve 15 years each in prison.
The two Ghanaians were also fined 100,000 and 120,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢1,200,000 and GH¢1,440,000 respectively, or in default serve prison terms of 10 and 15 years respectively.
Mr Mireku Duker noted that the conviction by the court and severity of the penalties imposed on them were evidence of Government’s resolve to fighting illegalities in the mining sector.
“This is to sound a word of caution to persons involved in illegal mining activities, especially in water bodies and forest reserves.
“Those involved in gold smuggling and other related activities should also take note,” Mr Mireku Duker warned.
“Let me also reiterate that, currently, punishments for those who are found engaging in illegal mining are stiffer under Act 995.
They range between 10,000 to 250,000 penalty units and/or 15-25 years in prison.
“I will therefore strongly urge those involved to stop and desist from the act,” Mr Mireku Duker advised.
The Deputy Minister outlined various government interventions to provide alternative livelihoods to artisanal miners including the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme under which the Community Mining Scheme was being implemented.
The Community Mining Scheme, he said, had been structured to receive technical support from Geoscientists to operate properly.
“These interventions are expected to, if not to attract, deter people away from illegalities, Let me assure you that as a Ministry, we will not relent in our efforts at dealing with all forms of illegalities in the mining sector and ensuring that mining is done in a more sustainable manner,” he emphasised.
