In a recent development at the Sefwi Wiawso District Court, the Magistrate, His Worship Eric Baah Boateng, has issued a directive to Chief Inspector George Asante Noye, the prosecutor in a case involving the arrest of 10 individuals for illegal mining activities. The directive requires the prosecutor to produce documentary evidence of the death and subsequent cremation of two Chinese nationals at the next court sitting scheduled for 15th April 2024.
The case stems from an incident on 12th December 2023, when staff of the Forestry Commission apprehended 10 individuals engaged in illegal mining within the Krokosua Hills Forest Reserve. Among the suspects were four Chinese nationals and six Ghanaians, including two police officers.
The Chinese nationals were identified as Men Shi Yu (30), Weng Yong Cheng (30), Wen FU Lin (58), and Lee Pin (60), while the Ghanaians included Edward Owusu (25), Kwesi Frank (42), Abudu Dramani (41), and Joe Nabur (27). The two police officers involved were Detective Sergeant Yahaya Andrews and Lance Corporal Azantillow.
Following their arrest, the 10 suspects were processed for court proceedings and had appeared in court on two previous occasions. However, during the third court sitting on 15th March 2024, only the six Ghanaian suspects, including the two policemen, were present. The absence of the four Chinese nationals prompted the Magistrate to question their whereabouts.
In response, the Prosecutor informed the court that two of the Chinese nationals had passed away and been cremated. In light of this revelation, His Worship Eric Baah Boateng directed the Prosecutor to ensure that the sureties for the deceased individuals appear in court at the next sitting to provide documentary evidence of their death and subsequent cremation.
Furthermore, the case has been adjourned to 15th April 2024, and it has also been referred to the Attorney General’s Department in Takoradi for advisory purposes.
This development underscores the significance of adhering to legal procedures and ensuring that all relevant documentation is presented in court. The requirement for documentary evidence regarding the demise and cremation of the two Chinese nationals reflects the court's commitment to upholding due process and seeking clarity on pertinent matters.
As the case progresses, it is imperative for all parties involved to cooperate fully with the court's directives and to facilitate the presentation of necessary evidence. The pursuit of justice in matters pertaining to illegal mining necessitates thorough examination and adherence to legal protocols.
The upcoming court sitting on 15th April 2024 will provide further insight into this case, and it is essential to await the proceedings with attentiveness to the legal intricacies at hand.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
