Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Inusah Fuseini, has argued that the conviction of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—highlights how political influence shielded certain individuals engaged in illegal mining under the previous administration.
Mr. Fuseini contended that Wontumi’s prosecution only became possible after the NPP lost power, ending what he described as the businessman’s “political insurance.” Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, July 20, he maintained that authorities under the Akufo‑Addo government were aware of the activities of illegal miners but failed to act due to political considerations.
He stressed that the conviction should serve as a reminder that political connections must not obstruct the enforcement of the law. “The [NPP] government knew those who were doing the illegal mining. But what did the politicians do? They simply offered their insurance. As for Wontumi, his insurance cover expired when the NPP government went out of office. So, he was exposed,” Mr. Fuseini remarked.
Inusah Fuseini referenced a letter issued by former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, which cautioned Wontumi against mining in the Samreboi Forest Reserve after the Minerals Commission reportedly advised that he did not possess the required authorisation.
He accused the Akufo-Addo administration of failing to take action despite the warning, arguing that political considerations prevented enforcement. “Nana Akufo-Addo failed, refused, or neglected to deal with it. He was the one who cleared Wontumi,” he stated.
The former minister further argued that the fight against illegal mining would remain ineffective unless governments are prepared to prosecute politically exposed persons implicated in the activity.
“People who are doing the galamsey have simply taken insurance, political insurance. Until the government starts dealing with those people, the impunity will not stop,” he added.
His comments come after the Accra High Court jailed Chairman Wontumi for unlawfully assigning mineral rights without the approval of the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources and for facilitating illegal mining activities on Akonta Mining Limited’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The court sentenced Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment on two counts, to run concurrently, while Akonta Mining Limited was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.
Source: Isaac Appiah-Kubi
