Galamsey Fight: Police CID petitioned to prosecute Wontumi, other Akonta Mines directors

Pressure is still mounting on state authorities to walk the talk by prosecuting kingpins behind the galamsey menace that has devastated many water bodies and forestry belts.

The Director General of the Police CID, Kofie DCOP Faustina Andoh (ESQ), has been petitioned to prosecute NPP’s Ashanti regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi and other Directors of Akonta Mining Ltd., which was recently stopped from illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri forest reserve in the Sameriboi area of the Western North region.

The petition signed by a coalition led by Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, who is the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey. Lawyer Martin Kpegbu, Mr Edem Senanu, Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption and CDD Fellow, Kwame Asiedu follows concerns about feet dragging, treatment of some top government officials involved with kid-gloves and the charade adopted to create an impression of a concerted effort to address the menace.

It cited revelations captured in undercover documentaries which exposes clear breach of the laws by Chairman Wontumi’s mining company, specifically the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment Act) 2019, Act 995.

The petition also referenced the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor in a press statement dated 30th September, 2022 which categorically said Akonta Mining had no business any mining or mining related operations in the same forest without the requisite license and permit.

The statement said, its also on record that Akonta Mining Ltd deployed excavators, pumping machines, power generators, cars and other equipment adding that their search at the Company Registry confirmed Mr Antwi-Boasiako, the NPP Ashanti regional Chairman as co-shareholder with one Kwame Antwi.

It has since submitted all the evidence to the Police CID Director General, DCOP Faustina Andoh (ESQ) to investigations and prosecution of culprits found.

GOV’TS COMMITMENT TESTED

It will be recalled that, two weeks ago, pressure group Occupy Ghana in an open letter to the President demanded the arrest and prosecution of persons behind Akonta Mining Ltd and completely ban galamsey.

A similar statement was issued by the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining.

Government has not officially called for the arrest of Chairman Wotumi in spite of the widespread appeals. Lands Minister however in an attempt to respond to concerns claimed his office has been petitioned by Akonta Mines and until they investigate their claims, no action can be taken against persons involved.

WONTUMI SPOTED WITH AKUFO ADDO

Suspicions about government’s wishy-washy approach was further fueled when Chairman Wontumi was spotted with Nana Akufo Addo at the Manhyia Palace, where the President again reiterated his pledge before Nananom to eradicate galamsey.

Critics say for pretending the state has no issues against Akonta Mines and to allow him to join his delegation shows lack of political will and real commitment.

The petitioners have since assured the Police CID of their readiness to avail themselves when needed to provide more evidence or assist investigations.