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NPP Communications Team member questions lack of prosecution for seized excavator owners amid Wontumi's conviction
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Kwadwo Poku, a member of the NPP Communications Team, has raised concerns regarding the absence of prosecution for owners of excavators confiscated during the government's anti-illegal mining operations. His comments followed the 20-year prison sentence given to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, in the Samreboi mining case. Poku suggested that the handling of Wontumi's case contributes to the NPP's view that the conviction is political persecution. He stated that in 2025 alone, 443 excavators were seized, and over 1,200 individuals were arrested during these operations. However, he noted that none of the excavator owners are currently in court, and the progress of cases involving those arrested is unclear. Poku argued that the focus on Wontumi's conviction has created a misleading impression that the case is directly about illegal mining, asserting that the court's decision was based on specific legal issues rather than evidence of Wontumi's personal involvement in illegal mining.
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Must ReadIMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe stated that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi should initiate broader action against politicians involved in illegal mining, regardless of their political affiliation. Cudjoe described the case as significant, demonstrating that high-profile individuals can be prosecuted when evidence is available. He expressed hope that this outcome would encourage law enforcement to pursue other cases involving politically exposed persons, stating it is the only way to win the war against illegal mining and water pollution. Cudjoe urged that investigations should not conclude with Wontumi and called for all politicians named in former Minister Dr. Frimpong Boateng鈥檚 dossier on destructive illegal mining to be investigated and prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found. He also encouraged President John Dramani Mahama to identify members of his own party involved in illegal mining and called for the expedited investigation of NDC officials Joseph Yamin and Abanga Yakubu by EOCO.