The Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at Kwadaso in the Ashanti Region, Yaw Bonna Boadi, has initiated Plea Bargaining processes with the Office of the Attorney General regarding his involvement in galamsey offenses.
Mr. Bonna Boadi, popularly known as ‘Chairman Bonna’, has been charged for his participation in illegal mining activities at Nimbreso. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts, including facilitating the participation of a non-Ghanaian in a mining operation without a license.
Additionally, he, along with Shi Yueming, the former partner of convicted Galamsey kingpin Aisha Huang, has been charged with conspiracy. Shi Yueming also pleaded not guilty to undertaking a mining operation without a license, attempting to commit an offense, and harboring a criminal.
Both individuals have been granted bail by the High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo. The Court has set conditions for their bail, including regular reporting to the National Intelligence Bureau office in Kumasi and the submission of relevant identification documents.
During the court proceedings on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, it was revealed that Yaw Bonna Boadi has submitted a Plea Bargaining proposal to the Office of the Attorney General, which is currently under consideration. The Court has adjourned the case for an update on the Plea Bargaining process.
According to the State Attorney, the brief facts of the case outlined that Shi Yueming took over the businesses of Aisha Huang in Kumasi after her repatriation from Ghana and maintained regular communication with her. It was also revealed that Aisha Huang had entered Ghana through unapproved routes and without the required approval.
The prosecution further stated that Shi Yueming was involved in unlawful mining activities at Nimbreso and had facilitated these activities with Yaw Bonna Boadi. The duo had engaged in the weekly sharing of proceeds from their illegal mining operations.
Moreover, it was disclosed that Shi Yueming had attempted mining activities on land belonging to FGM Mining Company without proper authorization.
The case also revealed that Shi Yueming was found to be instrumental in obtaining forged or irregular immigration permits for other Chinese nationals and had entered into a secret marriage which has since been dissolved by court order.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is evident that the case involves complex allegations related to illegal mining activities, immigration offenses, and other illicit actions.
The initiation of Plea Bargaining by Yaw Bonna Boadi signals a potential shift in the legal strategy employed in addressing the charges against him. The outcome of this process will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of the case and its implications for all parties involved.
The development of this case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities and related offenses in Ghana. It also highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for individuals engaged in such unlawful practices.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential to monitor the developments closely and assess the implications of Plea Bargaining in this high-profile case.
-source starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
