I will release all 'galamsey' prisoners Akufo-Addo jailed – Mahama vows
- John Dramani Mahama has said that if Ghanaians vote him as president, he will free prisoners of small scale mining
- He said these prisoners were jailed unfairly by Akufo-Addo
- Mahama, however, questioned the circumstances under which a Chinese national was freed for committing mining offence while a Ghanaian was not
Our manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has announced that if Ghanaians vote him as president again, he will free prisoners of alleged illegal mining 'galamsey'.
According to him, he will grant amnesty to all the small scale miners who were jailed by the President Addo-Addo government.
He made his known while addressing a gathering of the chiefs and people of Odum Banso in the Mpohor Constituency in the Western Region on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
Source: UGC
In a report filed by CitiNews, Mahama questioned the circumstances under which a Chinese national was freed for committing mining offence while a Ghanaian was not.
“It’s sad. The government said it was fighting galamsey, and they arrested, prosecuted, and jailed Ghanaians who were engaged in that activity but left the Chinese woman [Aisha Huang],” he said.
“Today, they are still in prison. That Chinese galamsey queen was arrested but left to go free.
He added that the 'Chinese galamsey queen', Aisha Huang was never prosecuted for being deeply involved in illegal mining offences.
According to Mahama, those who have been jailed have suffered enough, have shown remorse for whatever wrong they committed and they need to come home.
Former President Mahama noted that when the NDC comes back into power, it will institute measures to check the operations of small scale mining in the country.
YEN.com.gh earlier reported that galamsey queen, Aisha Huang was not only an illegal miner but also a ‘killer’ who meted out terror on competitors and persons she had misunderstanding with.
According to a former associate of the deported Chinese illegal miner, Christian Addo Kuffuor, he witness Aisha shooting and killing a number of competitor Chinese miners and a Ghanaian.
Speaking to Joy FM on Thursday, April 25, 2019, Christina said in one instance, Aisha shot and killed a Ghanaian instantly without blinking at night on a mining site.
“When I heard they had remanded Aisha, I was shocked! Who are you to arrest Aisha? How can you dare arrest her,” Christian said in Twi, confirming how untouchable she was.
Christian recalled striking a working relationship with Aisha Huang through soldiers who asked him to help her illegal work. That was in 2011, he remembered.
Have national and human interest issues to discuss?
Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?
Your stories and photos are always welcome.
Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
