Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has issued a stern warning that anyone involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, will face prosecution, regardless of their social status, if found guilty.

“Any person who is found to be associated with any illegal activities whatsoever, irrespective of your class in society, definitely we will not let you go scot-free,” he said.

According to the official, everyone in Ghana is equal before the law, and if found guilty, they will face prosecution, regardless of their status.

When asked specifically about Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who has been accused of illegal mining, the minister reiterated that no one is above the law and that the law will take its course

“They are not above the law, are they? They are not; so, the law will take its course, same as Sam Pyne, if they are found culpable,” he said in an interview with GHOne TV and monitored by GhanaWeb.

Dr. Amoakohene further stressed that the government and local authorities are open to discussing issues surrounding illegal mining, alliances, and forest reserves.

Again, the minister warned that anyone found guilty of these offenses will be prosecuted, regardless of their public statuses.

“These are all pending issues that definitely, together with central government, we will look at.

“If anyone is at fault in any of these areas, irrespective of your status in society, we’ll make sure that the law takes its course,” he added.

Reports indicate that the Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has allegedly been operating illegally in the Nimri Tano Forest Reserve, located in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region.

VKB/AE

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