It was a surprising moment in court on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, when ‘Galamsey Queen’ Aisha Huang, the Chinese national suddenly burst into tears during her criminal case proceeding.

Aisha amidst tears noted that she does not fathom why she has been linked to illegal mining in the country. She described the allegation as “lies”.

Her defence team, most especially her translator, tried to console her. However, the presiding judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo noted that crying is not allowed in the courtroom and she, in particular, does not appreciate a witness crying instead of stating her answers.

Her Lordship Justice Osei Marfo further called for decorum back to the courtroom at 12:13 GMT, stating that nothing had happened and proceedings should continue.

State Prosecutor Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa amidst Aisha Huang’s fragile state told her that as at the time of  Exhibit C ordinary statement, none of her workers were arrested and not known to Immigration as of 30th August 2016.

“After officials write the statement, I am called to sign under the condition that without signing I will not be allowed to go home and she not wanting to stay there she signed” Aisha kept recounting.

Aisha Huang has been charged with three counts including; involving in small-scale mining operations, contrary to Section 99 (1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703); providing mining support services without valid registration for the Minerals Commission, and contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and the  illegal employment of foreign nationals, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573).

By: Edem Etsa Dorvlo | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana