High Court Judge Justice Lydia Osei-Marfo has called for amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act to target chiefs and landowners who provide their lands to illegal miners.

Speaking during the sentencing of Aisha Huang, a Chinese national involved in illegal mining, the judge stressed the need to prosecute not only illegal miners but also those allocating land for such activities.

Aisha Huang received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence and a GH₵48,000 fine for multiple offenses related to illegal mining.

The judge emphasized the environmental damage caused by such activities and urged stronger measures against those involved.

After Justice Lydia Osei-Marfo delivered her judgment, Miracle Attachey, counsel for the accused Aisha Huang, pleaded with the court to consider leniency based on her compliance with court and security officials since her arrest a year ago.

He argued that imposing a sentence would financially burden the state and proposed a fine and repatriation instead.

However, Director of Public Prosecutions Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa opposed the plea, advocating for the accused to face the maximum jail sentence and a substantial fine.

Justice Osei-Marfo emphasized the environmental damage caused by Aisha Huang's actions and noted the failure of security officials to conduct due diligence in granting her papers upon her second return.