Ken Ashigbey, a Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has refuted claims circulating on social media which suggest he influenced the conviction of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi.
In a statement issued on July 21, 2026, Ashigbey refuted claims that he knew Chairman Wontumi would be jailed because the trial judge was his sister-in-law.
According to him, the claims are false and urged the public to disregard them.
Parts of Ken Ashigbey’s statement read, “My attention has been drawn to a completely false publication alleging that my relationship with the trial judge influenced the ruling, and attributing to me the statement that ‘I was confident Wontumi will go to jail because the judge is my sister-in-law.’
“I wish to state categorically: I never made that statement. It is false. I have never said, anywhere, at any time, that I was confident Wontumi would go to jail because the judge is my sister-in-law. That quote is a fabrication.”
He further rejected attempts to link the judgment in the Akonta Mining case to a separate petition he filed together with Martin Kpebu, Edem Senanu and Kwame Asiedu.
He revealed that the petition they submitted is still pending before a different court and has not been heard or determined.
“The ruling of the Republic vs Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Kwame Antwi (At Large), Akonta Mining Company Limited case has nothing to do with our petition. The case that we petitioned is still pending before another court. It has not been heard on the merits, and no ruling has been given,” he said.
“I was not a party to the case that was ruled on. I had no direct interest in it. In the circumstances, there could not have been any conflict-of-interest situation as is being alleged,” he said.
“The judiciary must be allowed to do its work. Dragging judges’ names and family relationships into propaganda to discredit court decisions undermines confidence in our justice system and must be condemned,” he stated.
“For the past eight years, I have maintained the principled view that those who organise, finance and benefit from illegal mining activities should be subject to the maximum sentence prescribed by law. I stand by that position without reservation,” he said.
His statement follows speculation that arose about Ashigbey’s family relations with the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
Critics highlighted a conflict of interest, citing a petition Ashigbey had previously submitted against Wontumi.
Meanwhile, following Wontumi’s sentencing, Ing. Ken Ashigbey disclosed that the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman should have been jailed for 25 years.
According to Ken Ashigbey, Wontumi’s 20-year sentence is punitive enough, but not enough.
Ken Ashigbey, a strong advocate in the fight against illegal mining, however, stressed that Wontumi’s 20-year sentence would serve as a deterrent to others involved in the practice.
He argued that the judge should have given Wontumi the maximum fine of 25 years plus.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, Ken Ashigbey stated, “I’m happy that this case has gone its full circle. I would have wished that the learned judge would have given 25 years plus the maximum fine, but 20 years is good enough. Yes, it’s punitive enough, but not enough”.
Ken Ashigbey further expressed hope that other Galamsey kingpins should also face similar penalties, including maximum prison terms and fines.
He called on the Mahama government to ensure that all persons found culpable in illegal mining activities are treated equally under the law.
“Other kingpins should be made to face justice,” he added.
@ghnow_ Police arrest 5 suspects, rescue 18 victims in alleged human trafficking case at Kwabenya The Police have arrested five suspects and rescued 18 victims in connection with an alleged human trafficking operation at Kwabenya. Investigations are ongoing. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ 🔥 Dancegod has arrived at the H4DS Youth Empowerment Program #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – AfroBase+ 🇺🇸 🇬🇭
