The former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Inusah Fuseini, has argued that the political influence protecting NPP officials ended on the 7th December, 2024. He also called for consistent accountability in cases involving illegal mining, arguing that political affiliation should not shield individuals from legal consequences.
He recalled that during the administration of former President Nana Akufo Addo, then Lands Minister John Jinapor wrote to Bernard Antwi Bosiako over activities linked to Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest.
Mr Fuseini said the letter followed advice from the Minerals Commission and drew attention to activities identified as unlawful. He further argued that the matter received a different political response under the former administration, creating a sharp contrast with the approach adopted by President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the former Minister, President Mahama referred allegations involving members of his own political administration to the appropriate institutions for investigation. He said the decision demonstrates the need for political leaders to allow independent institutions to examine allegations, even when the matters involve individuals connected to their own parties.
Mr Fuseini therefore urged the NPP to allow the courts to deal with Wontumi’s case and avoid presenting the conviction as a purely political development. He also challenged the governing NDC to apply the same standard to its own members who could become linked to illegal mining activities.
“The political insurance obtained by Bernard Antwi Bosiako expired on the 7th of December, 2024. And so, anybody who is engaged in illegal mining activities and who is associated with the NDC should know that a time will come when his political insurance will expire.”
Inusah Fuseini
The former Minister said the conviction had created an opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate that political connections should not permanently shield individuals accused of environmental offences. He called on President Mahama to use the development to strengthen efforts against illegal mining and ensure that individuals responsible for environmental destruction faced appropriate legal consequences.
In addition, Mr Fuseini linked the issue to the wider damage caused by illegal mining, including the degradation of forests and pollution of water bodies. He urged the government to sustain investigations into allegations contained in Professor Frimpong Boateng’s report and other cases involving suspected illegal mining operations.
Differentiating Between Conviction And Investigations Against Galamsey Cases
The former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and lawyer, Inusah Fuseini, also pointed out that the conviction of Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, cannot be equated with cases where investigations into alleged wrongdoing remain incomplete.
Mr Fuseini explained that investigations into some individuals could still be ongoing while the involvement of Wontumi in illegal mining had previously been linked to a specific letter written by the then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Jinapor.
He said the letter, which followed advice from the Minerals Commission, directly drew attention to activities connected to Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest.
The former Minister therefore argued that an ongoing investigation and established culpability represented separate legal situations, making comparisons between the cases inappropriate. Mr Fuseini added that the minority and other individuals who believe investigations have been delayed retain the right to petition the relevant institutions for information or action.
“Until we begin holding people accountable and responsible for this illegal mining menace, we are not going to be able to mitigate or put a stop to it.”
Inusah Fuseini
Discussing the report prepared by Professor Frimpong Boateng, he recalled that the document was commissioned by the NPP government through the then Chief of Staff after the former Environment Minister left office.
He disclosed that the report was submitted to the Chief of Staff before Professor Frimpong Boateng later brought its contents into the public domain.
The former Lands Minister argued that the document contained serious allegations that required proper examination and possible accountability. He further urged former Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei to study the court’s judgment carefully before commenting extensively on the conviction.
Mr Fuseini also explained that an appeal is a constitutional right available to a convicted person and could challenge either the conviction or the severity of the sentence. He pointed out that the sentence fell within a statutory range of 15 to 25 years, adding that the legal team could raise questions about the court’s decision to convict both Wontumi and Akonta Mining.
“An appeal is not pursued just because you have a right to pursue the appeal,” he said, stressing the need for the legal team to establish clear grounds for its challenge.
The former Minister consequently urged the Minority to approach the matter through the legal process and avoid turning a court case into a political contest.
READ ALSO: UN: Global Hunger Declines for Third Consecutive Year
