A prominent Kumasi-based Muslim scholar, Alhaji Abubakari Musah, has expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the widespread destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves and river bodies, calling for severe punishment for those responsible including Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Alhaji Musah who is also the Chairman of a pro-Muslim Non-Governmental Organization in Kumasi, Muslims Executive Foundation (MEF) and Managing Director of Basfam Company Ltd, made the statement in reaction to Wontumi’s recent arrest in connection with illegal gold mining.
Alhaji Abubakari Musa believes that the scale of the environmental damage allegedly caused by Wontumi’s company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, warrants a harsh sentence.
After scrutinizing the scale of the damage caused to the environment through Akonta Mining Company Ltd per security reports, Wontumi deserves to serve at least 100 years in jail for his alleged illegal mining activities which have in no small way, caused environmental harm to the country Musah stated.
He said minerals are deposited underground by God not just for wealth creation, but also to protect and fertilize the land.
He urged Ghanaians to treat the environment with respect and follow proper mining procedures to prevent its depletion and the potential harm to communities.
The scholar contrasted Wontumi’s alleged actions with those of large-scale mining companies like Anglogold Ashanti and Prestea Goldfields, which, according to him, comply with mining regulations and minimize environmental impact.
He questioned Wontumi’s potential claim of ignorance regarding mining regulations, asking why he didn’t seek proper guidance before engaging in the gold mining business.
Alhaji Musah argued that Wontumi acted in an unprofessional manner with the intention of destroying the country’s forest reserves and water bodies, assuming he could escape accountability.
He asserted that now that the law has caught up with him, no one should sympathize with him.
This man deserves to be jailed for 100 years to serve as deterrent to others, Alhaji Musah reiterated, questioning whether future generations would have fertile lands to inherit if the current generation continues to misuse the land.
He expressed hope that the law will deal with Wontumi fairly, without regard to political affiliations.
Alhaji Musah’s strong statement highlights the growing concern among religious leaders and civil society organizations in Ghana regarding the detrimental effects of illegal mining on the environment and the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
