The Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building has welcomed the conviction and 20-year prison sentence imposed on the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for illegal mining activities at Samreboi, describing the judgement as a significant milestone in Ghana's fight against galamsey.

In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Adib Saani, the centre said on Monday, July 20, that the ruling demonstrated that the rule of law could prevail over impunity when state institutions acted independently and decisively.

The centre noted that it had consistently advocated genuine political commitment to tackling illegal mining and had repeatedly called for the prosecution of all offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, social standing or influence.

According to the statement, the conviction should serve as evidence that no individual ought to be beyond the reach of the law.

"For years, the Jatikay Centre has consistently called for genuine political commitment in the fight against galamsey and the prosecution of all offenders, irrespective of their political affiliation, social status or influence. Today's judgement represents an important step towards demonstrating that the rule of law can prevail over impunity."

The centre, however, cautioned that a single conviction would not be enough to eliminate illegal mining, stressing that sustained and impartial enforcement remained essential to protecting Ghana's forests, rivers and other natural resources.

It expressed the hope that the verdict would mark the beginning of a new phase in which the campaign against galamsey would be pursued consistently, fairly and without political interference.

"While one conviction alone will not end illegal mining, it sends a strong signal that accountability is indispensable if Ghana is to protect its forests, rivers and other natural resources. We hope this marks the beginning of a new era in which the fight against galamsey is pursued consistently, impartially and without political interference."

The Jatikay Centre also commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and urged all law enforcement and state institutions to maintain the momentum by ensuring that every individual involved in illegal mining activities is investigated and prosecuted.

It maintained that only a fair, consistent and non-partisan enforcement regime would restore public confidence in the country's anti-galamsey campaign and secure lasting success in protecting Ghana's environment.

"The Jatikay Centre commends the judiciary for its role in upholding the rule of law and urges all relevant state institutions to sustain the momentum by ensuring that every person involved in illegal mining is held accountable. Only a fair, consistent and non-partisan approach will restore public confidence and secure lasting success in the fight against galamsey," the statement said.