The Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building has welcomed the conviction and 20-year prison sentence imposed on Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. 

The Centre described the judgment as an important step towards demonstrating the prevalence of the rule of law over impunity in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. 

A statement signed by Mr Adib Saani, the Executive Director of the Centre, said the organisation had consistently advocated genuine political commitment to combating illegal mining and the prosecution of all offenders, regardless of their political affiliation, social status or influence. 

It said the conviction reflected the need for accountability in efforts to protect Ghana’s forests, rivers and other natural resources from the destructive effects of illegal mining. 

“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,” the statement said. 

It expressed the hope that the judgment would mark the beginning of a new era in which the fight against galamsey would be pursued consistently, impartially and without political interference. 

The statement commended the judiciary for its role in upholding the rule of law through the judgment, while urging all relevant state institutions to sustain the momentum by ensuring that every person involved in illegal mining was held accountable. 

“Only a fair, consistent and non-partisan approach to enforcement would restore public confidence in the country’s anti-galamsey efforts,” it said, reiterating that  the protection of Ghana’s environment required sustained political will and equal application of the law to all offenders. 

The statement expressed the Centre’s commitment to advocating policies and actions that promoted environmental protection, human security and the rule of law.