Accra, Ghana – Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has reaffirmed his long-held stance against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, following the 20-year prison sentence handed to New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a Facebook post that has generated widespread reactions, Mr. Bentil described galamsey as one of the most destructive crimes confronting Ghana and insisted that those who destroy the environment in pursuit of wealth deserve no sympathy.
“As a principle, I’ve always held that Galamsey is a most despicable and dastardly crime in our generation. Those who seek riches whilst poisoning people and the environment deserve no sympathy! The principle stands, I’ve mentioned no names!” he wrote.
Although Mr. Bentil did not directly mention Chairman Wontumi in his post, the remarks came shortly after reports of the NPP stalwart’s sentencing, prompting many social media users to interpret the statement as a reaction to the case.
The IMANI Vice President has consistently advocated tougher action against illegal mining, arguing that the destruction of forests, farmlands and water bodies poses a grave threat to Ghana’s environment, public health and future generations.
His latest comments have reignited public debate over the fight against galamsey and the need for strict enforcement of environmental laws, regardless of the status or political affiliation of those involved.
Chairman Wontumi’s sentenced to 20years
The Samreboi case against Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) centres on allegations that he unlawfully allowed mining activities to take place on Akonta Mining Company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the approvals required under Ghana’s mining laws. The prosecution was brought by the Office of the Attorney-General under the Minerals and Mining Act.
The main charges in the case were:
- Assignment of mineral rights without ministerial approval (Count 1) – Allegedly transferring or assigning Akonta Mining’s mineral rights to another person without obtaining the approval of the Minister responsible for Mines, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act.
- Assignment of mineral rights without ministerial approval (Count 2) – A second count relating to another alleged unlawful assignment or transfer of mining rights connected to the Samreboi concession.
- Intentionally facilitating an unlicensed mining operation (Count 1) – Allegedly permitting or facilitating persons to undertake mining on the concession without the necessary mining licence or legal authorisation.
- Intentionally facilitating an unlicensed mining operation (Count 2) – A second count alleging facilitation of unlawful mining activities involving another individual or instance on the concession.
Background to the case
According to the prosecution:
- Chairman Wontumi, through Akonta Mining Company Limited, allegedly permitted Henry Okum and others to mine on the Samreboi concession without the approval of the Minister responsible for Mines.
- The prosecution argued that the alleged transfer of mining rights was not supported by the ministerial approval required under Ghana’s mining laws.
Wontumi’s defence
Chairman Wontumi pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His defence maintained that:
- He never authorised any illegal mining on the concession.
- Witnesses called by the defence testified they had never seen him personally conducting mining activities at the Samreboi site.
- The defence argued that any illegal mining occurring on the concession was not carried out on his instructions.
The case has attracted significant public attention because of Chairman Wontumi’s position as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the broader national debate over illegal mining (galamsey).
