Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has distanced himself from illegal mining activities reported at Akonta Mining, insisting that galamsey operators have taken over parts of his concession.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Wontumi said reports reaching him confirmed that illegal miners had invaded Akonta Mining and were carrying out galamsey there.
“I heard reports that some illegal miners have invaded Akonta Mining and are mining there illegally. I told my people to report the matter to the police and even take pictures so that we can identify those behind it,” he said.
According to him, despite being the owner of the concession, he is wrongly blamed for galamsey activities.
“Right now, people are doing galamsey on my concession at Akonta Mining. If people are mining illegally there, is it fair to turn around and blame me? I am not the one behind it,” he stressed.
Wontumi further alleged that his concession in Samreboi has also been invaded by illegal miners, whom he claims are members of the opposition NDC.
“Even in Samreboi, on my legitimate concession, some NDC members have gone there to do galamsey, and yet people blame me. I have reported the matter to the police, informed my lawyer, and will act on his advice. I am not above or beneath the law,” he explained.
He stated that he has complied with all legal requirements and presented his documents to the relevant authorities.
“I have shown my lease and all my documents to the Minerals Commission. In fact, I am the only mining company owner in Ghana who has openly presented my lease to the government. So what is my crime if I have a legitimate lease?” he questioned.
Wontumi reiterated his call for authorities to investigate and hold accountable those carrying out galamsey on his concession, instead of pointing fingers at him.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
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