Minority Leader in Parliament is urging the Speaker to summon the Lands, Defence, and Interior Ministers and the Attorney General to brief the House on steps taken to end illegal mining.
Haruna Iddrisu says Attorney General Godfred Dame will also be required to update the House on the arrest and prosecution of Chinese 'galamsey' kingpin Aisha Huang.
An Accra High Court on Monday, October 24 ordered the Attorney General to file disclosures and other documents in relation to the trial of En Huang, aka Aisha Huang, alleged to be involved in illegal mining.
This will enable the court to commence with the Case Management Conference and pre-trial at the next sitting.
Aisha is being held on the charges of undertaking a mining operation without a license, facilitating the participation of persons engaged in mining.
She is additionally being held over illegal employment of foreign nationals and entering Ghana while prohibited from re-entry.
The prosecution said Aisha had gained “notoriety” for engaging in a series of small-scale mining activities known as ‘galamsey’ across the country.
It said in 2017, Aisha was arrested for a similar offence, but she managed to sneak out of the country, averting prosecution, and had allegedly commenced small-scale mining activities without a license.
But contributing to the business statement in Parliament, Haruna Iddrisu said the House requires a thorough briefing on the matter because of the devastation illegal mining is causing the environment.
"What is the state of it [galamsey] and where are we with it? With the pollution of our water bodies and environment, we need the ministers to come and explain to the House the status of the fight.
"More especially the trial of Aisha Haung because this country must be governed by the rule of law," he said.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo fires Bournemouth to victory against Wolves
7 mins -
Everton 2-0 Liverpool: Everton apply final blow to Liverpool title challenge
16 mins -
Akufo-Addo nominates Felicia Attipoe as Tema West MCE
18 mins -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, April 25, 2024
26 mins -
We’ll not engage in opaque and obscure deals when elected – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
51 mins -
Energy and Finance Ministries must provide funding to fix energy challenges – IES
59 mins -
Reintroduce Fiscal Responsibility Act to tackle election budget overrun – Osafo Marfo
60 mins -
Prioritise transparency, avoid suppressing the truth – Opoku-Agyemang advises EC
1 hour -
In times of setbacks, I won’t say I was only the driver’s mate – Naana Jane assures Mahama
1 hour -
Joselyn Dumas opens up on why single mothers struggle to find partners
1 hour -
Three damaged ECG pylons result in power outage for 9 Shama communities
1 hour -
Dual citizens eligible for Chief Justice, Chief Director, other positions – Supreme Court rules
2 hours -
SIGA urges increased financial support for SOEs
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo vows to enhance Ghana’s power supply
2 hours -
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
5 hours