Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, has expressed support for the government’s recent declaration of all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones to curb illegal mining in Ghana.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Wontumi said they just have to ensure that people don’t go and engage in illegal mining.
“Let’s not make ourselves like the Pharisees, who impose the difficult laws on people while keeping the easy ones for themselves. If this is what the President has said, then we welcome it. We need to do the right thing and ensure the laws are enforced to help Ghana,” he said.
He added, “If he says he will declare all forests as military zones, then we support it and pray for him. He is our president until Bawumia becomes the president to continue.”
Wontumi also addressed his own involvement in mining concessions:
“I don’t work at the forest, but it’s true I applied for a concession, just like other companies. I did everything properly. When they were about to give me the lease, I realized illegal miners had invaded the area. I tried to stop them, but I was told not to intervene and that the Forestry Commission would take charge. Since then, I have left it to the Forestry Commission.”
He urged the military to enforce the new measures responsibly:
“We also call on the military to do the right thing and protect those zones, just as they have been directed. We all know the military are very responsible and disciplined people. We pray that every decision the President has made will be implemented properly to restore peace,” he said.
Wontumi’s comments come after the government declared all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones to intensify the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The move aims to protect the country’s environment and critical natural resources, especially rivers and forest reserves, which are under severe threat from galamsey activities.
Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy
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