The Wa Circuit Court has handed down a stern judgment, sentencing five Burkina Faso nationals to 20 years in prison each for their involvement in illegal mining activities within the Wa West district of the Upper West region.
The convicted individuals were apprehended on March 23 at an illegal mining site located in Maase, Wa West district, following a tip-off received by patrol officers. Their arrest shed light on ongoing mining operations in the area, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
During interrogation, the accused admitted to engaging in mining without a valid license, revealing that they had previously operated in Burkina Faso but migrated to Ghana due to drought conditions. Their acknowledgment of the offense further solidified the case against them.
This conviction serves as a clear message to all individuals involved in illegal mining activities, reinforcing Ghana’s stringent stance on the matter. According to the law, the minimum sentence for foreigners found guilty of illegal mining in Ghana is 20 years, reflecting the gravity of the offense.
It is worth noting that the illegal mining operations were not only conducted on land but also encroached upon areas near the bank of the Black Volta River, with some activities even taking place within the river itself. This blatant disregard for environmental regulations underscores the severity of the situation.
In delivering the court’s decision, emphasis was placed on the deterrent effect intended to dissuade others from engaging in similar unlawful activities.
The sentencing serves as a stern warning to anyone contemplating illegal mining ventures, reaffirming the government’s commitment to combatting this pervasive issue.
