A court has granted bail to 31 individuals, including 28 Chinese nationals, accused of attempting illegal mining in the Apramprama Forest Reserve in the Ashanti Region.
The Bekwai Circuit Court released the suspects after they were arrested late last year by the Forestry Commission for setting up camps in the forest ahead of an alleged unauthorized mining operation.
The group includes three Ghanaians alleged to have assisted in the scheme.
During the hearing, the prosecution, represented by the Attorney General’s Department, opposed bail.
Counsel for the accused, Dominic Kwadwo Osei, argued in favor of their release. The court ultimately granted bail of GHC200,000 each, with two Ghanaian sureties required for each accused.
Passports were ordered to be deposited with the court, and sureties’ Ghana Cards must be verified.
Authorities have warned that illegal mining has already degraded about half of the Apramprama Forest Reserve.
Some miners have attempted operations under the guise of reclamation work, raising concerns about environmental destruction in the region.
The court directed the Registrar and the investigating officer to ensure strict compliance with the bail conditions.
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