The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has welcomed the recent arrest of a director of Akonta Mining Ltd, Mr. Bernard Antwi Bioisako, as a step in the right direction in the fight against illegal mining.
The Coalition, however, says more needs to be done to ensure justice is served and to combat what it describes as deep-rooted political complicity in illegal mining operations.
Speaking at a press conference held at the International Press Centre in Accra on Thursday, June 19, the Convener of the Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, praised the government’s response following the Coalition’s earlier press release, but called for the arrest and prosecution of all directors of Akonta Mining Ltd.
“We commend and are pleased with the Government’s move to arrest a director of Akonta Mining Ltd, Mr Bernard Antwi Bosiako, it is crucial to complete this process by arresting and prosecuting all the directors,” he said.
Dr. Ashigbey, however, raised serious concerns about what he called an “alarming pattern” of illegal mining involvement by some officials from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He cited the unresolved case involving Oscar Larbi, MP for Aowin, and fresh allegations implicating NDC Constituency Chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Inspector General of Police in addressing the menace but called for swift and decisive action to ensure accountability at all levels.
The Coalition made the following demands:
1. An immediate investigation by the Police and National Security into the cases involving Hon. Oscar Larbi and the two constituency chairpersons, with full transparency and no political interference.
2. Public disciplinary action by the NDC leadership if the allegations are confirmed.
3. Comprehensive investigations into all individuals mentioned in the Prof. Frimpong-Boateng report.
4. Transparent prosecution of all implicated persons, devoid of political protection.
Dr. Ashigbey urged the media and civil society to remain vigilant and committed in the fight against galamsey, stressing that Ghana’s future depends on collective and sustained action to protect the environment.
