Kofi Tonto Questions Wontumi’s 20-Year Jail Sentence Over Mining Licence Controversy

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team member Kofi Tonto has questioned the circumstances surrounding the 20-year prison sentence handed to former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over illegal mining, drawing comparisons with claims that mining may be permitted in certain areas without a licence.

Tonto expressed concern over what he considers an apparent contradiction between the legal issues that led to Wontumi’s conviction and recent comments attributed to GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi regarding mining activities outside prohibited areas.

According to Tonto, Wontumi was sentenced after allegedly assigning his legally acquired mining concession to another person without obtaining the required approval from the Minister responsible for mining.

He questioned why Wontumi received such a lengthy sentence while public discussions were emerging about whether mining could take place without a licence in areas that are not classified as restricted.

“Wontumi was jailed 20 years because he ‘assigned’ his legally acquired concession to someone without getting approval from the Minister. But we are being told today that people can mine even without a licence. Wow!!!” Tonto stated.

His comments reflect growing political debate over the enforcement of Ghana’s mining laws and whether the rules are being applied consistently to individuals and companies involved in the sector.

Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, remains a major national concern because of its impact on water bodies, forest reserves and communities affected by environmental degradation. Mining activities are governed by legal and regulatory requirements, and the circumstances under which operations may be authorised depend on the applicable law.

However, Tonto’s comparison does not by itself establish that the two situations are legally equivalent. The precise circumstances of Wontumi’s conviction and the full context of the comments attributed to Gyamfi would need to be examined before drawing conclusions about differences in enforcement.

The controversy has renewed calls for clarity on mining permits, concession transfers and the consistent application of the law, regardless of political affiliation.

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