Galamsey Offenders Must Face Prosecution Regardless of Polit

Ing. Ken Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for equal prosecution of galamsey offenders, regardless of their political affiliation.

The conviction of Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been hailed as a significant step in Ghana's fight against illegal mining. Mr. Ashigbey commended the High Court for its courageous decision, saying it sends a strong message that no one is above the law.

He believes that sustained enforcement of the law against illegal mining operators will help curb the destruction of the country's forests and water bodies. Mr. Ashigbey further argued that public officials who facilitated illegal mining activities should also be held accountable.

The CEO expressed hope that Chairman Wontumi's conviction would not become an isolated case because his party is no longer in government. He alleged that some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) had interfered with the government's seizure of excavators by collecting the equipment or permits from mining sites, actions he said aided illegal mining.

Mr. Ashigbey added that removing influential figures from illegal mining operations would discourage others and allow genuine small-scale miners to operate within the law. Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment after being found guilty in the illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited's concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The court also convicted Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person, Kwame Antwi, over unlawful mining activities on the concession. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

Ghana's fight against galamsey has been ongoing, with the government implementing various measures to curb the activities of illegal miners. The conviction of Chairman Wontumi and others involved in the case is seen as a significant step in this fight.

However, Mr. Ashigbey's call for equal prosecution of galamsey offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, remains to be seen. The government will need to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that all offenders, regardless of their position or influence, are held accountable.

Source: Adom Online