The Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building has welcomed the conviction and 20-year prison sentence imposed on Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in connection with illegal mining activities at Samreboi.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Adib Saani, the Centre said it had consistently called for genuine political commitment in the fight against illegal mining and the prosecution of all offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, social status or influence.
The Centre described the judgment as an important step towards demonstrating that the rule of law can prevail over impunity. It, however, stressed that one conviction alone would not end illegal mining but could send a strong signal that accountability is essential to protecting Ghana’s forests, rivers and other natural resources.
The Jatikay Centre commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and urged relevant state institutions to sustain the momentum by ensuring that all persons involved in illegal mining are held accountable.
It called for a fair, consistent and non-partisan approach to the fight against galamsey, saying such an approach is necessary to restore public confidence and achieve lasting success in protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
