I’m not illegal miner – Wontumi denies engaging in galamsey

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has come out boldly to deny claims that he is involved in galamsey.

Chairman Wontumi said these allegations are false and politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation and bringing his name into disrepute as elections approach.

Speaking to journalists after he honoured an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, the outspoken party chairman made it clear that he has nothing to hide. He said he went with his official mining documents to show that his mining business is fully legal.

“I was invited by the police and charged with being involved in galamsey. I presented my license to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining,” Chairman Wontumi stated.

Wontumi Says: “I Have a License to Mine”

Chairman Wontumi explained that he owns a legal mining company and that all his mining operations are backed by permits and licenses from the appropriate state institutions.

According to him, the police had alleged that he was operating in a forest reserve, which is a protected area where mining is not allowed. But he strongly denied this claim, saying he is not the one mining in that forest.

“They claimed I was working in the forest, but I told them it wasn’t me. If they have any evidence, they should show it to me,” he said.

He further explained that some time ago, his company indeed applied to mine in a certain forest area, but when they were informed by the Forestry Commission, the Lands Commission, and the Minerals Commission that the land was protected, he stopped pursuing it.

“So, if anyone is working there now, I am not aware of it,” he added.

This clarification seems to suggest that someone else may be operating illegally on the land he once applied for, but it is not his company.

Allegation of GH¢50 Million COCOBOD Payment – “It’s False!”

Aside from the galamsey issue, Chairman Wontumi is also facing another serious accusation—this one involving money.

Some media reports have claimed that during the last days of President Akufo-Addo’s government, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) paid a huge amount of GH¢50 million to Hallmark Engineering, a company alleged to be linked to Wontumi.

The reports suggest that this payment happened against the advice of the then-incoming Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who reportedly issued a directive to freeze government contract payments during the political transition.

But again, Chairman Wontumi says the story is not true.

“They are saying I collected GH¢50 million from COCOBOD. It is not true. These are lies. I have not received any such payment. They should bring evidence if they have any,” he said.

He added that these allegations are part of a grand plan to destroy his image and weaken his influence, especially now that the NPP is preparing for the 2024 general elections.

“These are just politically motivated attacks. Some people are scared of me, so they want to bring me down,” he claimed.

“I Am Clean” – Wontumi Tells Ghanaians

Chairman Wontumi insisted that he is a law-abiding Ghanaian who believes in following due process. He said he has no reason to hide anything from the police or the general public.

“I am not a criminal. If I was doing galamsey, why would I go to the police with all my licenses and documents?” he asked.

He used the opportunity to call on Ghanaians, especially NPP supporters, to ignore the negative stories and continue to support the party and its leadership.

“They want to break us. They want to create confusion in the NPP, but it will not work,” he declared.

Background: Galamsey, Politics, and Power

Over the years, illegal mining, or galamsey, has become one of Ghana’s biggest environmental challenges. Forests have been destroyed, rivers polluted, and farmlands taken over. The government has tried to fight galamsey, but the problem still remains.

Unfortunately, many Ghanaians believe that some powerful people in politics are behind these illegal activities. This has made it difficult to win the fight.

So when a high-profile figure like Chairman Wontumi is accused of galamsey, it attracts serious public attention.

Wontumi is not just any politician. He is known for his strong personality, outspoken nature, and deep influence within the NPP, especially in the Ashanti Region, which is the party’s stronghold. He played a huge role in mobilizing support for the NPP in past elections.

So, such allegations can affect the party’s image and its chances in the upcoming 2024 elections.

What Happens Next?

Now that Chairman Wontumi has been questioned by the CID and says he has submitted his documents, the ball is in the court of the police.

They will have to study the evidence, verify the licenses, and investigate the claims thoroughly. If no wrongdoing is found, Wontumi will be cleared. But if any illegal activity is discovered, he could face prosecution.

Ghanaians are watching closely, because the fight against galamsey will only be taken seriously if people in high places are not allowed to escape justice.

Public Reaction

The public has had mixed reactions to the story. Some believe Wontumi is being targeted unfairly because of politics, while others feel the law must work without fear or favour.

Here are a few voices from social media and the streets:

“Chairman Wontumi is a loudmouth, but that doesn’t mean he is a galamseyer. Let the law do its work,” one man said in Kumasi.

“If it’s true that he got GH¢50 million, then something fishy went on. We need transparency!” said a young lady in Accra.

“Too many politicians are into illegal mining. This is why galamsey can’t stop. We must be serious!” a taxi driver fumed in Takoradi.

Wontumi’s Final Words

Before ending his media interaction, Chairman Wontumi had a word for those trying to bring him down.

“No matter what they say, the truth will always stand. I have not done anything wrong. Let the people judge me by my works, not by lies.”

As investigations continue, the people of Ghana will be waiting to see if justice will be done—fairly and openly—without any political interference.