‘Where are the other kingpins?’ – Ken Ashigbey asks President Mahama after Wontumi’s sentencing

Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convenor of the Coalition Against Galamsey Ghana, has called on the government and state investigative agencies to provide an update on other high-profile illegal mining (galamsey) investigations, following the conviction and sentencing of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

According to Dr. Ashigbey, while the successful prosecution of Wontumi represents an important step in the fight against illegal mining, Ghanaians deserve to know the status of investigations involving other individuals who have been accused of engaging in galamsey activities.

His remarks come after the Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment on each of two counts relating to illegal mining activities on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The court ordered that the custodial sentences run concurrently and also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on each count. Akonta Mining Limited, a company linked to Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, was likewise convicted on two counts and fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.

The judgment has renewed public debate over the government's commitment to tackling illegal mining across the political divide.

Speaking on Ghana Tonight on TV3 on Monday, July 20, Dr. Ashigbey questioned the progress of investigations into other alleged masterminds of illegal mining.

He recalled President John Dramani Mahama's campaign pledge during the 2024 general elections to pursue the major financiers and kingpins behind galamsey operations.

Where are the others? The kingpins that H.E. John Mahama promised us that in 2024 that is going to be his focus? Where are the rest of them?" he asked.

According to him, the anti-galamsey campaign should not focus on only one prosecution but should extend to all individuals facing credible allegations, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Dr. Ashigbey also referred to the report compiled by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, which identified several politically exposed persons allegedly connected to illegal mining activities.

He noted that despite the report's findings, little public information has emerged regarding investigations or prosecutions involving many of the individuals mentioned.

We have had situations where Prof. Frimpong Boateng's report is replete with other kingpins and politically exposed persons. We've had the Attorney-General of this current government who has asked EOCO to do some investigations; we are yet to get the report out of that," he stated.

The Coalition Against Galamsey Convenor further disclosed that during a meeting between civil society organisations and President Mahama in October last year, assurances were given that the findings of ongoing investigations would be made public.

However, he said those commitments have yet to materialise.

In October last year when we met H.E. the President, I asked that question. We were promised we were going to get the report; we have not seen the report," he said.

Dr. Ashigbey also referenced allegations involving the Member of Parliament for Aowin, noting that although the legislator has denied any wrongdoing, investigations should be concluded and their findings made public.

The Aowin MP, for example, who has been accused by his traditional council of being involved in galamsey but he has said that he is not... where is the investigation into that?" he questioned.

He stressed that his call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against anyone.

We are not saying any of them are guilty, but where are the investigations into that?" he added.

Dr. Ashigbey maintained that the credibility of Ghana's fight against illegal mining depends on transparency, consistency and equal application of the law.

He urged the government and investigative agencies to provide regular updates on all major galamsey investigations to reassure the public that the anti-illegal mining campaign is being pursued fairly and without political bias.