The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah has urged authorities to extend the fight against illegal mining beyond the conviction of Chairman Wontumi and pursue every individual linked to the destruction of Ghana’s environment. She argued that the 20-year sentence handed to the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman should serve as a warning that wealth, political influence and social connections cannot shield people from accountability.
“Chairman Wontumi cannot be the poster boy for illegal mining. Everybody who is involved, rich, powerful or connected, should be held accountable.”
Awula Serwah
Madam Serwah explained that the conviction follows a judicial process in which the court found sufficient evidence to support the decision. She added that persons dissatisfied with the ruling have the right to challenge it through the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court.
The Coordinator also rejected claims that Chairman Wontumi was a political prisoner, arguing that the evidence presented during the case provided a basis for the conviction. She referred to numerous documentaries produced over the years as part of the material that has influenced public discussion around the case.
For Madam Serwah, the significance of the ruling extends beyond the individual at the centre of the case. She argued that the prosecution of persons involved in illegal mining should be based on evidence and applied consistently across political and social lines.
She further called for authorities to pursue other individuals who may have contributed to the destruction of forests and pollution of water bodies. The environmental campaigner stressed that accountability should apply to people linked to both the previous administration and the current government.
According to Madam Serwah, the conviction could mark the beginning of a wider effort to deal with illegal mining through the courts. She expressed confidence that more prosecutions could follow where investigators establish sufficient evidence against suspects.
The Coordinator also urged the public to separate political arguments from the legal process that led to the conviction. She pointed out that the justice system provides avenues for appeal and that the accused person could pursue those avenues if dissatisfied with the verdict.
Galamsey Fight Must Reach Every Suspect Named
The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah also added that the 20-year sentence was sufficient. Madam Serwah argued that the sentence bears a strong message for people who continue to destroy forests and pollute water bodies through illegal mining.
She explained that imprisonment in Ghana was a serious punishment and that a 20-year term represents a significant period of a person’s life. The Coordinator added that the sentence could serve as a warning to others who might believe that environmental crimes carry limited consequences.
“Twenty years is a long time. The message has been sent loud and clear: stop destroying our environment.”
Awula Serwah
Beyond the sentence itself, Madam Serwah turned attention to other individuals whose names have featured in discussions about illegal mining. She referred to names contained in the report of Professor Frimpong Boateng and urged state institutions to examine every allegation supported by evidence.
The environmental advocate also pointed to claims that individuals connected to the current administration could have links to illegal mining activities. She argued that political affiliation should have no bearing on whether a person is investigated or prosecuted.
She explained that though the President has acknowledged the possibility that people associated with his own political side could be involved in illegal mining, law enforcement agencies must also investigate such claims and take appropriate action where evidence supports prosecution.
Moreover, she warned that allowing the case to end with Chairman Wontumi could create the impression of selective justice. The Coordinator argued that the state must demonstrate that the campaign against galamsey is directed at the offence itself and not at a particular political figure.
The call also placed responsibility on agencies tasked with investigating financial and organised criminal activity. Madam Serwah urged such institutions to follow up on names referred to them and provide clarity on the progress of investigations.
She added that public frustration could deepen when allegations are repeatedly raised without visible action from the relevant authorities. The environmental campaigner therefore pressed for evidence based investigations, prosecutions where appropriate and accountability for every person found culpable.
Ultimately, Madam Serwah argued that Ghana’s environmental protection efforts require consistent enforcement across administrations. She urged authorities to pursue the wider network of illegal mining activities and ensure that the fight against galamsey produces accountability beyond one prominent conviction.
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