Governance expert, Prof Baffour Agyemang-Duah, says the conviction of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako is a legitimate outcome of the judicial process but must be followed by further prosecutions of other individuals linked to illegal mining.

His comments follow the Accra High Court's conviction and sentencing of NPP officer, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

Speaking on JoyNews' The Pulse, Prof. Agyemang-Duah said the issue of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become a national concern due to its devastating impact on Ghana's environment and the future of the country.

He noted that for several years, Ghanaians have raised concerns about the activities of illegal miners across the country, but there have been few convictions involving individuals widely known to be behind such operations.

According to him, the court's decision in the Wontumi case demonstrates that the legal process can hold people accountable when the appropriate procedures are followed.

"I believe strongly that this case went through the normal procedures and processes of the court, and therefore the administration of justice has been done the way the law expects it to be done. So the conviction is certainly legitimate," he said.

Prof. Agyemang-Duah stressed that the conviction should not be treated as the conclusion of the fight against illegal mining, insisting that state institutions responsible for prosecution must pursue other alleged kingpins identified in various reports.

"If, in fact, this has happened, and we know of many other kingpins in this particular activity, then I think it is important for government and the agencies responsible for prosecuting such people to make sure all those who have been identified in the many reports of Mr Asare Donkor and others begin to really bring these people to court," he stated.

He cautioned that failure to prosecute other alleged offenders could create perceptions that the fight against galamsey is politically motivated.

"Because this should not end there. And if, in fact, it happens that only one person coming from the other political party is the one to be convicted, then of course people will have all kinds of reasons to raise questions whether this is a political kind of movement. But it's not political," he said.

The governance expert maintained that the focus should remain on accountability and ensuring that anyone found culpable of destroying Ghana's forests and water bodies faces the law, regardless of political affiliation.