A leading figure in Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labour for illegal mining offences, triggering a sharp backlash from the opposition.
The ruling marks a significant escalation in the government's crackdown on illicit mining activities, often referred to as 'galamsey', which has long plagued the country's gold sector and environment.
The New Patriotic Party has condemned the sentence, alleging political motivation behind the prosecution.
The party's reaction highlights the deepening rift between the opposition and the ruling administration over governance and rule of law.
This development comes amid broader concerns about the political stability of Ghana, a key player in the global gold market.
Ghana is the second-largest gold producer in Africa, after South Africa.