Video: Joseph Wemakor on fight against galamsey and Aisha Huang’s verdict on GBC’s Reporters Round Table show

In a recent episode of GBC’s Reporters Round Table Show, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Joseph Kobla Wemakor, offered an in-depth analysis of the fight against illegal mining in Ghana, known locally as “galamsey,” and the verdict related to Aisha Huang, a notorious figure associated with these illegal activities.

The discussion highlighted the complexities and the government’s stance on combating this environmental menace.

Illegal mining poses a significant threat to the environment and economy of Ghana.

The activities associated with galamsey have been responsible for the destruction of water bodies, the decimation of forest reserves, and the pollution of the ecosystem.

The socioeconomic implications are vast, as these illicit operations have hindered sustainable development and adversely affected local livelihoods.

The case of Aisha Huang represents a focal point of the galamsey conversation due to her notoriety as a Chinese national deeply involved in illegal mining operations in Ghana. Known colloquially as the “Galamsey Queen,” Huang’s activities have been under the microscope as the Ghanaian government seeks to assert its position against foreign nationals flouting local laws and engaging in environmental degradation.

Wemakor’s contribution to the discussion on GBC’s platform dissected the progression of Aisha Huang’s case, from her initial arrest and deportation in 2018 to her re-arrest in 2022 after she reportedly sneaked back into the country.

Wemakor underscored the challenges faced by the judiciary and immigration systems in ensuring that such high-profile cases are addressed with the full weight of the law.

The verdict on Aisha Huang sends a message across various fronts. Internally, it is a reassurance to the Ghanaian populace that the government is committed to safeguarding their natural resources and enforcing law and order.

But Wemakor thinks otherwise. He argues that the four and a half year’s jail term Aisha was slapped with by the Accra High Court is not enough in commensurate to the gravity of her offense, as well as to serve as a deterrent to other foreigners and Ghanaians from engaging in illegal mining in the country.

The HRRG boss emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the local communities in the fight against galamsey.

He pointed out that while law enforcement and legal actions are critical, the battle against illegal mining also depends on sustainable and inclusive alternatives for individuals who depend on these activities for their livelihood.

In conclusion, Wemakor’s analysis on GBC’s Reporters Round Table Show provided a comprehensive perspective on the current state of the combat against galamsey and underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law when dealing with perpetrators, regardless of their nationality or social status.

The overarching sentiment from the discussion was that maintaining environmental integrity and promoting legal mining practices should remain top priorities for Ghana’s government and citizens alike.

The commitment to fighting illegal mining, as evidenced by the discourse around Aisha Huang’s case, must translate into continuous action and strengthened policies to achieve the goal of eradicating galamsey in Ghana.

Watch video on the discussion here: