Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has thrown his weight behind the government’s decision to designate all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Wontumi said the directive is in the right direction and must be respected by all.
“Let’s not behave like the Pharisees who made the laws difficult for others while keeping the easy parts for themselves. If this is what the President has said, then we welcome it. We need to obey the laws and enforce them to help Ghana,” he stressed.
He added, “If the President says all forests will be declared as military zones, we support it and pray for him. He is our president until Bawumia also becomes president to continue.”
Wontumi also clarified his own involvement in mining issues. According to him, though he applied for a concession legally, he backed off when illegal miners invaded the area.
“I don’t work in the forest, but yes, I applied for a concession just like other companies. Everything was done properly. But when the lease was about to be given, illegal miners had already taken over the place. I tried to stop them but was told not to interfere since the Forestry Commission was responsible. From then, I left everything to the Commission,” he explained.
He further called on the military to enforce the government’s new measures fairly and responsibly.
“We trust the military. They are disciplined and responsible. We pray that every decision by the President will be carried out well to protect our rivers and forests,” he said.
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