Ghanaian veteran broadcaster Kwami Sefa Kayi has questioned why illegal mining activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies despite the arrest and jailing of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Sefa Kayi raised the concern during an interview with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for the Krowor Constituency, Abdulai Sakara, on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The discussion centred on the NDC’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and its promise to pursue individuals suspected of financing or facilitating the destructive activity.
Abdulai Sakara maintained that the party would not protect anyone involved in galamsey, insisting that the government remained committed to holding those responsible accountable.
However, Sefa Kayi challenged the position, pointing to the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves despite the prosecution and imprisonment of Wontumi, who has been accused of involvement in illegal mining.
Sefa Kayi questioned what tangible impact the action against the former NPP regional chairman had made in the broader fight against the menace.
“But how come that after arresting Wontumi and jailing him, galamsey hasn’t stopped?” he asked.
The broadcaster’s question also came amid concerns over allegations linking some NDC officials, including National Organiser Joseph Yammin and Third National Vice Chairman Alhassan Yakubu Abanga, to illegal mining activities.
It will be recalled that Wontumi has been in custody at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison since his conviction in July in a case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.
Wontumi was sentenced by an Accra High Court 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.
In related galamsey news, A suspected galamseyer has been killed and another injured following a gun battle between security operatives and a group of suspected illegal miners in the Atiwa Forest Reserve.
The gunfire occurred during Operation GREEN SHIELD, leading to four other suspects, including three Malian nationals and a Ghanaian, being arrested during the operation.
According to the operational account, officers of the Anti-Small-Scale Mining Operations Brigade (ASOB) advanced approximately 10 kilometres into the forest after drone surveillance identified a suspected illegal mining site.
The team reportedly encountered about 50 suspected miners during a foot patrol conducted between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
However, the situation escalated when some of the miners allegedly opened fire after spotting the approaching security personnel, while others fled the scene.
The operatives returned fire, resulting in the death of one suspected illegal miner and injuries to another.
Also, two pump-action guns and six rounds of ammunition were subsequently recovered at the site, with the injured suspect receiving first aid before being taken to the Kyebi Government Hospital for further medical attention.
Meanwhile, the four arrested galamsey suspects have been transferred to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for further action.
The Operation GREEN SHIELD reportedly ended with no security personnel injured or killed during the operation.
Watch the video below:
@ghnow_ Renowned Ghanaian media personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, popularly known as KKD, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – 💜LONER LYRICS🎧
@ghnow_ Renowned Ghanaian media personality Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, popularly known as KKD, has arrived at Black Star Fashion Week at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – FAMOUZ DAILY
