Ghanaian Official Sentenced to 20 Years for Illegal Mining

Accra, Ghana – Ken Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey (MCAG), has lauded the government's successful prosecution of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his role in illegal mining activities. The High Court 4, General Jurisdiction in Accra, sentenced Mr. Boasiako to 20 years imprisonment yesterday.

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This is a good day for Ghana and the MCAG and the Commission Against Galamsey in Ghana and for all who want to see the back of this existential threat that confront us as citizens.

Speaking after the sentencing, Ashigbey hailed the judgment as a significant victory for Ghanaians and stakeholders, including the MCAG, who have persistently advocated for the prosecution of individuals involved in illegal mining. "This is a good day for Ghana and the MCAG and the Commission Against Galamsey in Ghana and for all who want to see the back of this existential threat that confront us as citizens," he stated.

While commending the court's decision, Ashigbey expressed that he had anticipated the maximum sentence of 25 years, describing the operations of Akonta Mines, owned by Mr. Boasiako, as "mass murder." He believes this conviction provides Ghana with a crucial opportunity to reinvigorate its fight against illegal mining.

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We remember that President John Dramani Mahama, then Presidential Candidate of the NDC, had indicated that the fight against galamsey was going to be fruitless unless we are able to deal with the kingpins.

Ashigbey also urged the government to extend investigations and prosecutions to other politically exposed persons implicated in illegal mining, referencing names mentioned in Professor Frimpong-Boateng's report. He emphasized that this is just the beginning and that decisive action is needed against those in positions of power. Furthermore, he cautioned against any potential presidential pardon for Mr. Boasiako in the future, warning that such a move would undermine the nation's efforts to combat illegal mining.

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This is just the beginning. If we really are going to deal with galamsey decisively, then we need to make sure that a lot of big men who are parading the corridors of power and flaunting their riches, they are all candidates to also be sentenced.