Following the sentencing of galamsey kingpin Aisha Huang on Monday, Member of Parliament for Pru East, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, is advocating for the prosecution of Aisha Huang’s accomplices involved in illegal mining activities. Dr. Donkor asserts that Aisha Huang did not operate alone, and those who collaborated with her, whether in official positions or on the ground, should also face legal consequences.

Highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling illegal mining, Dr. Donkor emphasizes that targeting only foreigners is insufficient. He urges authorities to address the involvement of both local and foreign individuals in the illegal mining syndicate, including political figures, to serve as a deterrent and strengthen the fight against unauthorized mining.

Aisha Huang, also known as the ‘galamsey queen,’ was convicted on Monday for mining offenses and sentenced to four and a half years in prison, along with a GH₵48,000 fine. However, her sentence has faced criticism from some stakeholders and the public, who consider it inadequate considering the environmental damage caused by her operations.

Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah clarified the reasons for the relatively lenient punishment, citing that Aisha Huang was prosecuted for offenses committed between 2015 and 2017, under the old law. He explained that there was no evidence of her engaging in illegal mining after her return to Ghana in 2022.

In response to concerns, Dr. Donkor acknowledges the need for reviewing laws related to galamsey, considering the escalating impact of illegal mining on the environment. Meanwhile, Attorney General Godfred Dame has expressed his intention to appeal the ruling, aligning with critics who believe that the sentence does not align with the gravity of Aisha Huang’s actions under Act 995.