Deputy Director of IT and Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko Computer, says the sentence handed to New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, represents justice for communities that have suffered the devastating effects of illegal mining.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Tanko Computer said the conviction goes beyond the punishment of an individual, arguing that it is also about addressing the destruction caused to Ghana’s environment and the lives of people living in mining-affected communities.
He said the consequences of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, have been severe, with polluted water bodies, destroyed forests and serious health concerns affecting residents.
“Justice has been served to the good people of the environment, which has been destroyed, and those children who are now suffering from birth defects. Kidneys have now been destroyed because of the activities of Akonta Mining and its affiliates,” he said.
Mr Tanko Computer criticised discussions that focus solely on whether a 20-year sentence is excessive, arguing that attention should also be given to the impact of illegal mining on communities.
According to him, many victims of environmental destruction have suffered silently while individuals involved in illegal mining pursued personal wealth.
He explained that Ghana’s laws provide for sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years for such offences and suggested that, considering the extent of the alleged damage, the maximum sentence would have been appropriate.
“In fact, I was expecting about 25. He should have taken the 25. The judge was lenient to have given him the 20 years,” he said.
Mr Tanko Computer added that the conviction should serve as a warning to others involved in illegal mining that political influence or personal connections cannot shield them from accountability.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others who think that they can get away with this just because of your own parochial interest,” he said.
He stressed that the state’s responsibility is to protect citizens and ensure that individuals whose actions threaten public health, livelihoods and natural resources are punished.
His comments follow the Accra High Court’s conviction and sentencing of Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
