Senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah says illegal mining remains active in parts of the country despite the conviction and imprisonment of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on Joy Prime, Dr Boakye-Danquah said reports from mining communities suggest that illegal mining activities are continuing.
“Since Chairman Wontumi was jailed, I have seen videos, particularly from Samreboi and neighbouring communities, where the act of illegality is being perpetuated,” he said.
He argued that enforcement efforts should extend to all those engaged in illegal mining activities.
“We have actors and players across the various mining sites. The government should deal with those involved,” he stated.
Dr Boakye-Danquah also clarified that Wontumi’s conviction related to facilitating illegal mining rather than personally engaging in mining operations.
He further expressed appreciation to the Ghana Prisons Service for the access granted to family members, lawyers and party officials who have visited Wontumi since his incarceration.
“The Ghana Prisons Service has been magnificent because they have allowed other people as well to visit. We want to say thank you,” he said.
He also thanked the NPP leadership and Minority caucus for visiting Wontumi in prison following his conviction.
