The Coalition for Integrity in Governance-Ghana (COFIIG-GHANA) has welcomed the judgment delivered by the High Court in the case involving businessman and NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Limited.
In a statement issued on July 20, 2026, and signed by its Executive Chairman, Hon. Simon Yaw Awadzi, COFIIG-GHANA reaffirmed its respect for the independence of the Judiciary and the constitutional principle that justice must be administered fairly and impartially.
The civil society organisation said the judgment represents an important moment in Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the country’s forests, rivers, farmlands and other natural resources from environmental degradation.
COFIIG-GHANA said Ghana’s democracy must be measured by the equal application of the law, regardless of the status, political affiliation or influence of persons who appear before the courts.
It stressed that accountability must not be selective, insisting that the law must apply equally to politicians, business leaders, public officials, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens.
The organisation, however, acknowledged that the Constitution guarantees every person the right to pursue lawful avenues of appeal and other legal remedies. It said respect for judicial decisions must therefore go hand in hand with respect for the due process rights of every citizen.
COFIIG-GHANA called on the Government, Parliament, the Judiciary and relevant institutions, including the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Forestry Commission and Ghana Police Service, to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal mining through lawful, transparent and coordinated action.
It further urged the government to strengthen monitoring and enforcement across mining concessions, improve transparency in the allocation of mineral rights, invest in the restoration of degraded lands and polluted water bodies, and provide adequate resources to regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
The organisation also appealed to political parties, opinion leaders, civil society organisations and the general public to remain calm and avoid statements or actions that could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
COFIIG-GHANA said the development should not be viewed through a partisan lens but should serve as an opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and renew the country’s commitment to protecting its natural resources.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
