Akufo-Addo was right to clear Akonta Mining of galamsey

Akufo-Addo was right to say Akonta Mining was not doing galamsey – Kwadwo Poku

Kwadwo Poku, a member of the New Patriotic Party's Communications Team, has defended former President Nana Akufo-Addo's comments that Akonta Mining was not engaged in illegal mining. Poku argued that the court's judgment, which sentenced Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison, supports the president's statement.

Poku said the conviction did not establish that Chairman Wontumi or Akonta Mining was directly involved in galamsey activities. "If the president stood and said that Akonta Mining is not doing galamsey, President Nana Addo was 100 per cent right because in this judgment there is nowhere that it says Akonta Mining was doing illegal mining," he said.

According to Poku, the case centred on the company's concession being given to another person who later carried out mining activities without the required approval. Akonta Mining acquired the lease legally, Poku explained, and was not involved in galamsey.

The court's decision was based on two issues, including the assignment of mineral rights without approval and facilitating an unlicensed mining operation. Poku stated that the judgment did not mean Chairman Wontumi was personally caught conducting illegal mining. "Let's take the word galamsey away. Did he do anything illegal as per the ruling? Yes, the ruling is saying that," Poku said.

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Poku also criticised the description of Chairman Wontumi as a galamsey operator, arguing that the person who carried out the mining activity was a separate individual who had obtained access to the concession. "The technical conviction of Chairman Wontumi is in no way to say that Chairman Wontumi was caught doing galamsey," he said.

The controversy surrounding Chairman Wontumi's conviction has sparked debate about the definition of galamsey and the extent of the company's involvement in the activities. As the case continues to unfold, Poku's comments add to the discussion about the role of companies like Akonta Mining in the mining industry.

Source: MyNewsG