Three individuals linked to the Aisha Huang case have been charged with conspiracy to undertake mining operations without a license, violating Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019.

Specific Charges

Li Wei Guo (First Accused): Charged with false representation in obtaining a work permit, contrary to Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

Shi Mei Zhi and Nana Kwame Opoku (alias Obolo): Charged with false representation in obtaining residence permits, also under Section 52(1)(e) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

Third Accused: Charged with facilitating the participation of non-Ghanaians in illegal mining, contrary to Section 99(5)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.

Background

The charges stem from investigations launched on September 14, 2022, following intelligence from the Ministry of National Security in Kumasi. Reports indicated that the first and second accused persons were involved in illegal mining activities.

Subsequently, law enforcement officers arrested the accused at their residence in Paraku Estates near Daaban in Kumasi, Ashanti Region. Investigations into their activities ensued.

Court Proceedings

The cross-examination of the second accused concluded on November 13. The third accused began presenting his defence on Thursday, November 14.

The case remains ongoing as authorities work to address violations of mining and immigration laws linked to the high-profile Aisha Huang investigation.