Gospel musician Cecilia Marfo has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to forgive and pardon NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his imprisonment over an illegal mining case.

Speaking on Aluta FM on July 22, Marfo argued that Wontumi's imprisonment has not brought an end to illegal mining, insisting that galamsey activities are still ongoing across the country.

"Jailing him hasn't stopped people from engaging in galamsey. There are people still doing it. I went to a program somewhere and just close to the location, I saw people seriously engaging in galamsey. They even came to greet us," she said.

Chairman Wontumi jailed 20-years in prison

According to the gospel singer, the fight against illegal mining should not be blamed on one individual, stressing that successive governments must continue efforts to address the menace.

"So I am begging the government. The fight against galamsey is not a one person job. One government does some work, the next government continues," she stated.

Marfo said her comments were based on her Christian faith and should not be interpreted as taking sides politically.

"I'm not defending or attacking anybody. I'm speaking from a place of Christianity. Don't misquote me. Just as Christ forgives us anytime we sin, we learn to forgive people for their sins."

She therefore pleaded with President Mahama to show mercy to the NPP stalwart.

"So I'm begging our father President Mahama to find a place in his heart to forgive Chairman Wontumi."

When asked whether she would prefer Wontumi's sentence to be reduced or for him to be released, Marfo responded: "If it were up to me, I would pardon and release him."

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