Ghanaian media personality Kwami Sefa Kayi has questioned why illegal mining activities continue to destroy forest reserves and water bodies despite the jailing of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The host of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo raised the concern on November 2, 2026, during an interview with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for the Krowor Constituency, Abdulai Sakara.

Sefa Kayi interrupted Sakara during the discussion to question why illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, remained a major problem despite the government's stated commitment to arresting and prosecuting individuals believed to be masterminds behind the activities.

Sakara had maintained that the NDC would not spare anyone involved in illegal mining, insisting that the party was committed to fulfilling its promise to tackle the menace by going after those behind the practice.

However, Sefa Kayi challenged that position, questioning why the activities had not stopped following the arrest and jailing of Chairman Wontumi, who has been accused of being a major player in the illegal mining business.

2028 Elections: NDC projected to lose 29 parliamentary seats - Global InfoAnalytics

“But how come that after arresting Wontumi and jailing him, galamsey hasn’t stopped?” he asked.

The media personality also raised concerns about reports implicating the NDC National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, the Third National Vice Chairman of the NDC, in alleged illegal mining activities.

The reports followed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for investigations into the alleged involvement of some NDC officials in galamsey.

Responding to the concerns, Sakara said he believed the investigation report was still being prepared, as investigations into the allegations were ongoing.

Chairman Wontumi has been in custody at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison since his conviction in July in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.

An Accra High Court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of offences related to mining activities on the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region. The sentences on the two counts are to run concurrently.

Wontumi has since appealed the conviction and sentence. His lawyers filed the appeal at the Court of Appeal on July 28, 2026, challenging the High Court’s decision.



AM

SayItLoud: Newly constructed road turns Nsakina into a nightmare whenever it rains