Convener of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has welcomed the conviction and 20-year prison sentence handed to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing it as a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
Madam Serwah said the judgment vindicates environmental campaigners, journalists and civil society groups who have consistently spoken out against the destruction of the country’s forests and water bodies.
“I am pleased at the outcome. I’m pleased that Chairman Wontumi has been convicted. I’m pleased that all those who spoke out against the vandalism going on have been vindicated. I think this is a step in the right direction, and we hope that other prosecutions are going to follow,” she said.
Madam Serwah argued that Chairman Wontumi is not the only influential person allegedly involved in illegal mining and called on law enforcement agencies to widen their investigations and ensure all those responsible for destroying the environment are brought to justice.
She urged the authorities to sustain the momentum generated by the conviction and intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks, insisting that consistent enforcement of the law is essential to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
She also commended Luv FM’s Erastus Asare Donkor for his relentless efforts in exposing illegal mining activities across the country.
“First of all, I want to commend my brother, Erastus Asare Donkor, for his commitment, dedication and persistence. We want to commend him,” she said.
Her comments come after the Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.