The Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw-Kotei, has firmly stated that all Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining will be dealt with according to Ghanaian law. She emphasised that Ghana’s laws prohibit foreigners from engaging in illegal mining activities.
Dr. Bissiw-Kotei explained that illegal foreign miners face prosecution under the Minerals and Mining Act, which can lead to imprisonment and fines, as well as deportation after serving their sentences. She highlighted that foreigners convicted of such offences could be sentenced to between 20 to 25 years in prison and subsequently deported.
Her remarks came in response to inquiries regarding the fate of Chinese nationals arrested by her anti-galamsey task force for illegal mining activities. “The laws of Ghana will deal ruthlessly with Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining,” she asserted. “The Minerals and Mining Act states that all foreigners arrested and convicted of illegal mining can serve a minimum sentence of ten years, with a maximum of twenty-five years imprisonment. Additionally, they will face fines and repatriation after completing their sentences.”
Dr. Bissiw-Kotei also urged Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal mining, as it poses significant threats to human life, security, and the environment. In response to those who have criticized her recent anti-galamsey efforts as merely content creation, she expressed disappointment, stressing that this ongoing struggle is dangerous and not to be trivialized.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
