Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, has described the 20-year prison sentence handed to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a defining moment in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
Speaking on Gold Morning Conversation, Mr. Fuseini said the conviction demonstrates that the country’s mining laws are beginning to serve their intended purpose of deterring environmental crimes.
He recalled that when he assumed office as Lands Minister, the maximum prison term for illegal small-scale mining was only two years, a punishment he considered far too lenient to discourage offenders.
“The punishment for illegal mining was not punitive enough. After reviewing the laws governing the small-scale mining sector, the penalties were revised to between five and ten years,” he said.
According to Mr. Fuseini, Parliament later strengthened the sanctions even further under the Akufo-Addo administration.
He explained that in 2019, then Attorney-General and former MP Gloria Akuffo introduced a Bill proposing prison terms of between 10 and 15 years for illegal mining offences.
However, he said the then Majority in Parliament, led by Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, considered the proposed penalties inadequate and amended the legislation to impose custodial sentences of 15 to 25 years.
Mr. Fuseini argued that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction should serve as a warning to anyone who believes political power offers protection from prosecution.
“Anybody who believes that because their party is in government they cannot be prosecuted should know that political protection does not last forever. One day that insurance expires, and when the law catches up with you, you must face the consequences,” he stated.
The former Lands Minister alleged that Chairman Wontumi escaped prosecution during the previous administration because of his political influence within the New Patriotic Party.
“Everybody knew Chairman Wontumi was engaged in illegal mining while the NPP was in power, yet no action was taken because he was the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman,” he alleged.
Mr. Fuseini also contrasted the handling of illegal mining under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo with that of President John Dramani Mahama.
He cited the case involving Akonta Mining, claiming that although a report was submitted regarding the company’s activities in a forest reserve during the Akufo-Addo administration, no decisive action followed.
By contrast, he said President Mahama referred allegations involving two national executives of the National Democratic Congress to the appropriate investigative authorities instead of ignoring them.
“That is leadership. That is honesty, transparency and accountability. The NPP cannot compare the two administrations. President Mahama has demonstrated a stronger commitment to tackling galamsey,” he asserted.
Mr. Fuseini urged the public to look beyond partisan politics and instead demand the publication of investigative findings into all individuals accused of engaging in illegal mining.
He maintained that consistent enforcement of the law against all offenders, regardless of political affiliation, is essential if Ghana is to win the fight against galamsey.
Story by: Ruth Quaye
