The Koforidua Circuit Court A has sentenced Togolese national Shaibu Yaw to 18 years in prison with hard labour for his involvement in illegal mining activities at Akyem Mouso in the Atewa West District of the Eastern Region.

This ruling comes as part of a broader effort to combat the rampant issue of illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey," which has significantly contributed to environmental degradation in Ghana.

Shaibu was arrested during a crackdown on illegal mining operations, and he subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime related to illegal mining and engaging in mining without a valid license.

The court, presided over by High Court Judge Her Lordship Abigail Animah Asare, imposed the sentence in response to his admissions of guilt.

In addition to the prison term, the court levied a fine of 10,000 penalty units for each count, resulting in a total financial penalty of 20,000 penalty units.

While the 18-year prison sentence will be served concurrently, the fines will be applied consecutively, requiring Shaibu to pay the amounts separately for each charge.