Nkawie: A 40-year-old farmer has been fined GHS 120,000.00 by the Nkawie Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region, for engaging in illegal mining at Manso Moseaso. Akwasi Acheampong pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a full trial. He will serve a 15-year jail-term in default of the fine.
According to Ghana News Agency, the facts of the case were presented by ASP Mr. Frank Acheampong to the court presided over by Mr. Robert Addo. The complainant, Mr. Yaw Amponsah, a teacher, and the convict both resided at Moseaso in the Amansie West District. On July 07, 2023, Mr. Amponsah went to his farm at Mmora, near Moseaso, and found the convict using a Liugong excavator machine and a washing plant for illegal mining activities on his land.
When approached, the convict informed the complainant that Mr. Paul Akuoko Asare, his family head, had authorized the mining activities, claiming it was their family land. A report was subsequently filed with the Essuowin police, leading to the arrest of both individuals.
In their caution statements, the convict admitted to the offense, while the family head denied any involvement. After further investigations, both were charged and brought before the court. The family head pleaded not guilty to the charge of abetment of crime and was acquitted and discharged after the trial.