Wontumi conviction could mark a turning point in fight against illegal mining, says Franklin Cudjoe
via GhanaWeb4 min read
IMANI 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.
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President John Dramani Mahama met with Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, and Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance ALMA, in Accra to discuss strengthening public health systems in Africa. The discussions focused on the Accra Reset, President Mahama's vision for an Africa that manufactures its own vaccines, builds resilient health systems, and reduces reliance on foreign aid. President Mahama also highlighted Ghana's Free Primary Health Care programme, which provides free basic healthcare services at CHPS compounds and polyclinics without requiring a National Health Insurance Scheme card, as part of Ghana's efforts towards Universal Health Coverage. Byanyima praised President Mahama's leadership in promoting health sovereignty, recognizing its importance for Ghana, Africa, and the Global South. This meeting took place as Accra hosts the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, where African leaders are convening to strategize on strengthening health systems, promoting equity, and improving healthcare outcomes across the continent.
Must ReadThe Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has responded to comments made by a United States immigration judge regarding its investigation into allegations against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The OSP clarified that it was not involved in the US immigration proceedings and that its role concerns extradition proceedings being pursued through Ghana's Attorney General. The OSP stated that the extradition case is separate from the immigration case before the US court and that the immigration court has no authority to determine the credibility of criminal charges against Ofori-Atta. The OSP outlined three separate legal proceedings involving Ofori-Atta: immigration proceedings in the US, extradition proceedings in the US, and criminal prosecution before the High Court in Accra. The office maintained that Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, a valid warrant of arrest has been issued by the High Court, Accra, and he remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana. The OSP assured that the criminal proceedings in Ghana will continue in accordance with the law and the directives of the High Court, regardless of Ofori-Atta's presence in the country. The US immigration judge, David Gardey, had stated that the court found the affidavit filed by the OSP lacked convincing evidence to support the allegations against Ofori-Atta, and that the OSP failed to demonstrate Ofori-Atta's engagement in criminal activity or personal benefit from his role as Finance Minist
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.