Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr Ken Ashigbey, has praised JoyNews' Erastus Asare Donkor for his persistent reporting on illegal mining, calling on the government to expand investigations into all individuals and networks implicated in the destructive practice.

Speaking on JoyNews following the conviction and sentencing of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Mr Ashigbey said the judgment should embolden authorities to pursue all alleged galamsey kingpins instead of treating it as an isolated case.

He singled out Erastus Asare Donkor for his investigative work, particularly his reports on the alleged involvement of Akonta Mining in illegal mining activities within the Tano River Forest Reserve.

"It was Erastus' report on Akonta Mining being involved in galamsey in the Tano River Forest Reserve, the evidence he gathered, the concessions involved and the impact on the Tano River. Erastus needs to be commended. He continues to be one of the main voices exposing illegal mining," he said.

The Media Coalition convener said recent investigations and official reports have uncovered several outstanding allegations that require urgent action from law enforcement agencies.

He cited the Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng report, investigations commissioned by the Attorney General, and allegations involving politically exposed persons, arguing that the fight against illegal mining would only succeed if authorities pursue everyone implicated, irrespective of political affiliation.

Mr Ashigbey also referenced recent reports of illegal mining activities in the Bebiani area, alleging that some individuals continue to operate without the required licences.

He disclosed that he had personally confirmed with the Minerals Commission that no licence had been issued for mining in wetlands in the area, describing such operations as "a walking illegality."

He further questioned why district chief executives, municipal chief executives, police commanders and other local authorities have failed to clamp down on illegal mining taking place openly in forest reserves and along major roads.

"Are they waiting for the Minister for Lands to come from Accra, or the President or the Inspector General of Police before they act? If they are not complicit, then they are incompetent and should be fired," he said.

Mr Ashigbey urged President John Mahama to use "Wontumi's conviction as an opportunity to launch a broader offensive against illegal mining syndicates", insisting that only the prosecution of the financiers and masterminds behind the practice would deter others.

He also appealed to media organisations to intensify investigative reporting on illegal mining to sustain public pressure for accountability and ensure that all those involved are brought to justice.

His comments follow the Accra High Court's sentencing of Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.