Mahama Accused of Using Wontumi as Scapegoat in Galamsey Fig

Political aide Kofi Tonto has accused President John Dramani Mahama of using the conviction of Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a scapegoat in the government's fight against illegal mining.

Kofi Tonto made the accusation on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen, describing President Mahama as "vindictive and pretentious." He claimed that the President's anti-galamsey campaign is selective, and that some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who have been accused of engaging in illegal mining have not been investigated.

Wontumi conviction based on assumptions, not proof beyond reasonable doubt – NPP

According to Kofi Tonto, Chairman Wontumi's conviction was politically motivated, and that there was no direct evidence linking him to illegal mining activities. He maintained that Chairman Wontumi's only involvement was granting access to land, and that the court's decision was based largely on circumstantial evidence.

The Accra High Court recently sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment after finding him guilty in the illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited's concession at Samreboi in the Western Region. The court also 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.

Kofi Tonto's comments come as the government continues its efforts to combat illegal mining, a practice known as galamsey. While the government's anti-galamsey campaign has been widely publicized, critics have accused the government of being selective in its enforcement.

The conviction of Chairman Wontumi has been met with mixed reactions, with some critics accusing the government of using the chairman as a scapegoat to prove its commitment to fighting galamsey. Others have defended the government's actions, saying that those found guilty of engaging in illegal mining should be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation.

The controversy surrounding Chairman Wontumi's conviction is likely to continue, with Kofi Tonto's comments adding to the debate. The outcome of the case is still uncertain, with many awaiting the government's next move.

Source: Adom Online