Features
The fight against illegal mining… ‘Untouchables’ are the problem
His name is Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, he is the current Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), a farmer, owner of Wontumi Radio and Television stations and Akonta Mining Limited, a small-scale mining company in the Ashanti Region. As the meaning of his akan nickname connotes in the English Language, “You can’t Fit me”, Chairman Wontumi, is a strong and powerful personality within the NPP circles who does not fear any persons, including people in the corridors of power whatsoever. He claims to be one of the millionaires in Ghana in recent times, and at one time, expressed interest to buy the famous Chelsea Football Club in London, United Kingdom.
When you talk about prominent personalities involved in small-scale mining popularly known as galamsey in this country, Ghana, you cannot leave out this ‘powerful’ man who is into serious small-scale mining business in parts of the Ashanti and Western regions.
AKONTA MINING LIMITED
Records show that, his company on 20th August 2022 applied for a Mining Lease to undertake mining in some parts of Samreboi in the Western Region, outside the Forest Reserve, but the company has extended its operations to the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region. By a Ministerial Directive, all reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploratory activities in Forest Reserves in the country are suspended, except in exceptional circumstances. Although this directive does not affect mining in Forest Reserves, further records indicate that Akonta Mining Limited’s application has not been determined, hence any alleged activity being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve is considered illegal.
GUN SHOTS AT FOREST RESERVE
In recent times, there were reports circulating on social media and other traditional news outlet about exchange of gunshots between personnel of Akonta Mining Limited and some youth of Samreboi, leading to two persons sustaining gunshot wounds. Per the cause of that incident, a section of the youth reportedly prevented personnel of the company from taking more mining equipment into the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The company, it was reported, was said to have been mining in the reserve despite a declaration by government (Minerals Commission) that it had not granted any entry permit into the forest reserve. According to reports, two of the vehicles transporting mining equipment were also burnt by the youth while some vehicles belonging to a timber firm, Samartex, had their windscreens smashed.
WONTUMI’S EXPLANATION
The owner and regional chairman of the NPP, Antwi Boasiako, has denied using the site for illegal mining. According to him his outfit has a genuine documents and licence from the Minerals Commission which would expire in the year 2030, claiming that his company was rather reclaiming the site which was overtaken by some illegal miners after digging pits on the site.
When you weigh the Land and Natural Resources Minister’s (Samuel Abdulai Jinapor) statement in which he made it clear that the company was operating illegally in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve against Chairman Wontumi’s defence, then you can simply ask yourself, who is telling the truth? And what is the Forestry Commission saying? That, the Akonta Mining Limited, indeed, has a pending application dated August 25, 2022, for a Mining Lease over an area within the Tano Nimiri Reserve? Does that grant the company permission to enter into the reserve to mine?
FREEING GALAMSEY FIGHT OF POLITICS
This fight against this illegal small-scale mining in this country, can only make the necessary progress and meaningful impact, if we shed party colours and dealt ruthlessly with people involved in the activity no matter their status in the ruling party and the party in power. If we try to impute politics into steps being taken to stop this menace, we will get nowhere in our determination to stop the practice. It is because we, ourselves, are not ready to deal with the problem, that is the more reason foreigners, especially Chinese, have taken an advantage of the system to engage massively in this illegal galamsey business and subsequently, destroying our environment and the ecosystem.
Some of our traditional leaders as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in areas where these illegal operations are taking place in their forest reserves, have sold their conscience for peanuts to the people including foreigners in the trade, forgetting that they are rather helping them to destroy their water bodies and the ecosystem.
LEVEL OF POLLUTION OF WATER BODIES
It is sickening when you look at the massive destructions that had taken place in most of these areas where these small scale illegal mining are taking place. Party officials and other irresponsible personalities in the corridors of power who are deeply involved in these shameful business must bow their heads in shame.
Are we really happy with the level of contamination and pollution of our water bodies and rivers as well as the forest cover by these galamseyers, spearheaded mostly by Chinese nationals and other high profile Ghanaians? Can we imagine the colour of water from our various water bodies? Are we happy to see our cocoa farms under siege? We need to be ashamed of ourselves for encouraging pollution and contamination of our water sources as well as the massive destruction of our forests.
ASANTEHENE SPEAKS OUT
No wonder, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, recently, questioned the relevance of our District and Municipal Security Councils over their failure to fight the illegal mining menace in the country. He was surprised that after years that the government launched the fight against this galamsey business, little had been achieved describing the situation as very poor. Hear him, “At the district level, we have the political administration, District Chief Executives and District Security Councils. Are they all saying that they are unaware of the activities of these galamsayers? If they are unable to detect and stop the operation of these galamsayers, then they are unworthy to be there; it is as simple as that”.
“We should have brought finality to this issue by now. The President, had even put his presidency on the line, yet this is going on. To me, something is wrong somewhere,” he told the US Ambassador, Stephanie Sullivan, when she called on him recently at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
FIGHT AGAINST GALAMSEY
It is sad that we should continue to talk about some of these negative issues again when we have flogged them over and over. While we continue to preserve the little human and material resources at our disposal due to our present economic difficulties and challenges, we have in recent past invested heavily in the formation of various ministerial taskforces to combat this small scale illegal mining in parts of the country. It is, indeed, sad and regretful that despite all these huge financial investments, the problem continues unabated and even in its worse form.
I have had the privilege to visit China for at least four times, during which I toured most of the provinces including the famous and popular Shanghai, and I can confidently say that they are taking good and proper care of their country and obeying their laws as well as the rules and regulations well. China started from the scratch like us and that country has gone far and can be referred to as a developed nation. Why are we doing disservice to ourselves by allowing Chinese nationals to enter into our country, plunder and destroy our natural resources, while they protect and conserve theirs? We have given them all the courtesies to live in our country yet they don’t respect our laws but rather treat us with contempt and disdain.
OUR LEADERS LACK THE WILL POWER
It is, indeed, surprising that our leaders often travel to some of these developed countries and are fully aware of the socio-economic development in those countries and upon returning home, they close their eyes to these developments they saw, and allow our country to go down the drain. Yes, we depend on some of these countries for loans and grants to revamp and reshape our economy, but we cannot continue to be stooges to them by allowing their nationals to misbehave when they enter into our territory.
As the Asantehene rightly put it: If those leaders appointed at the local level; Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, are unable to stand up against these illegal mining in their jurisdictions, then they have no business to be there at all. Let us keep politics out of this fight against galamsey and deal resolutely with offenders of the law irrespective of party affiliations. We want to see more action from our President, the number one gentleman of the land in this fight against the galamsey menace.
Contact email/WhatsApp of author:
ataani2000@yahoo.com 0277753946/0248933366
By Charles Neequaye
Today, I focus on the Apostolic Church International in Finland, as I continue with my description of institutions and personalities and their accomplishments as members of the Ghanaian Diaspora in Finland.
The Apostolic Church International, Finland (or, Apostolic International Association Ry) was established in October 9, 2023. The Church in Finland has seen significant strides and accomplishments within the short time that it has been established in Finland, which must be highlighted.
History of the Church in Ghana
The Apostolic Church Ghana originated from the 1904–1905 Welsh revival, officially established in Ghana (then called Gold Coast) in 1935 following connections between a local prayer group in Asamankese (a town in southern Ghana), led by Peter Newman Anim, and the Apostolic Church, UK. There were historical splits in 1939 and 1953, but the Apostolic Church attained autonomy in 1985.
Today, the Church is headquartered in Accra. Last year (2025), it dedicated its new 10-storey headquarters, “The Apostolic Church Tower,” in Frafraha, Adenta West in Accra.
Activities of the Apostolic Church in Finland
The Apostolic Church in Finland conducts church service on Sundays. The service starts at 11a.m. in the morning and closes by 1 p.m. in the afternoon. There are no other activities during other days for now.
The Minister in charge of the church in Finland is also the Area Head of Italy Area. He is Pastor Daniel Kofi Addison who is the new Italy Area Head, and has just been transferred from UK South Area to Italy Area during the just-ended Council Meeting in March this year. Italy Area comprises Italy, which has 13 Assemblies, Germany, one Assembly, and Finland, one Assembly.
Elder Ebenezer Amoaning-Coffie is the Presiding Elder in charge of the Assembly in Finland. A Presiding Elder is responsible for day to day activities of the church (Assembly) and reports to the District Pastor, or in the absence of the District Pastor, reports to the Area Head.
Achievements
The Apostolic Church International, Finland was officially registered under the Finnish Law, guaranteeing freedom of worship and providing legal foundation for future growth. The church service is conducted in both English and Twi.
The church opens its doors to all people of every nation, especially Ghanaians who are in Finland and other African nationals. Now, the membership comprises Ghanaians, Nigerians and Sierra Leoneans.
The Church and the Ghanaian migrant community in Finland
The Apostolic Church in Finland plays a prominent role as a religious group that serves Ghanaian migrants and others in the Finnish society.
Thus, the Apostolic Church is a religious body for Ghanaian migrants in Finland and other nationalities who want to worship with them for diversity and better intercultural and multicultural understanding.
Elder Amoaning-Coffie said that the main and primary aim of the church is to bring people closer to God. “We aim to win souls for Christ. We aim to preach the gospel to the world. By propagating the gospel to the people, we are hopeful that they will turn away from any ungodly ways and be good individuals in the community and in society in general”, he stated.
He said that everything is going well so far. A key challenge, however, is how to get more members especially the youth. As a new Assembly, we are in need of instrumentalists, for example. We pray to God Almighty to help us do His work, the Elder disclosed.
Integration
By its activities, the Apostolic Church is helping to ensure integration of its members well into the Finish society. This is important since social interaction and citizens’ well-being are an important part of the integration process in Finland.
As I mentioned some time ago, the role of migrant associations and groups such as the Apostolic Church acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
With Dr Perpetual Crentsil
The landscape of the Ghanaian palate is shifting, and not necessarily for the better. In our bustling urban centres, from the streets of Accra to the suburbs of Kumasi, a quiet culinary revolution is taking place; one where the mortar and pestle are being replaced by the pizza oven and the deep fryer. This transition from traditional staple foods like fufu, banku, akple, kenkey, tuo zaafi, and ampesi toward “continental” dishes is more than just a change in appetite; it is a reflection of a deeper social struggle with identity and prestige.
The illusion of modernity
For many, “stepping out” for a meal has become synonymous with consuming foreign cuisine. There is an unspoken social hierarchy where a bowl of Abunuabunu is relegated to the village category, while burgers, pizzas are branded as prestigious choices. We have reached a stage where we equate foreign with modern and local with primitive.
This perception is a dangerous illusion. Our traditional dishes are marvels of culinary engineering complex, nutrient-dense, and deeply rooted in our history. When we choose a processed foreign import over a meal made from local tubers or fermented maize, we are not just changing our lunch; we are eroding the indigenous knowledge attached to our local ingredients and foods.
We need to turn the consumption of indigenous grains and tubers like millet, sorghum, and plantain into a statement of self-worth and national pride.
The cultural and health erosion
Every time a local dish disappears from a restaurant menu to make room for foreign fast food, we lose a piece of our cultural fabric. Traditional Ghanaian cooking is an art that requires patience and skill. By choosing the convenience of foreign fast food, we are raising a generation that may know the taste of a pepperoni pizza but cannot identify the rich, earthy profile of Prekese or the subtle tang of well-fermented dough dishes like corn porridge, banku, etew, abolo, agidi or kamfa, and kenkey.
Furthermore, we are at the crossroads of a nutrition transition. Replacing high-fiber, indigenous crops with calorie-dense but nutrient-poor foreign fast foods is driving a rise in lifestyle diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and liver disease. We are trading our longevity for 15-minutes convenience or unhealthy diet.
A call for culinary patriotism
It is time for us to appreciate, preserve, and promote our indigenous foods and culinary traditions. We need to be proud of our local dishes, ingredients and cooking methods, rather than relying heavily on foreign or imported foods. We must stop viewing our local delicacies as low-class and start treating our culinary heritage as the high-end gastronomy it truly is.
True sophistication does not come from imitating Western fast food; it comes from innovation and adding values to our own resources. We see glimpses of this potential in the rise of branded Sobolo and the creative use of gluten-free plantain flour in modern baking of flour-based dishes such as bread, cakes, biscuits and others. This is the path forward. We must elevate our local dishes, making them as accessible, affordable, presentable and trendy as any foreign alternative.
To the hospitality industry: Innovate or stagnate
Our hotels and high-end restaurants must lead the charge. They must stop relegating local dishes to the “traditional corner” of the buffet, and apply the same culinary finesse given to imported dishes to our Fante Fante, apapransa, aborbi tadi, fetritoto, akple, abolo, yakayeke, fufu, ampesi, kokonte, wasawasa, tubani, apapransa, mpotompoto, kelewele, aliha, brukutu, pito, and other local dishes. The industry must enhance customer experiences making eating local dishes the ultimate luxury experience for both tourists and residents alike. We must elevate the presentation of our foods by using modern plating techniques to show that a bowl of light soup can be as visually stunning as a French consommé. We need to reclaim our Ghanaian plate before it is too late.
To the policy makers: Let us encourage buying of local ingredients to promote the local food industry and economy. There should be educational programmes and talks about the nutritional and cultural benefits of local foods so that people understand their value.
We need to encourage serving traditional dishes at school programmes, parties, and celebrations instead of only fast foods,
To the Youth: Let us value and appreciate our traditional dishes instead of always choosing foreign foods. There must be balance in our choice of local and foreign dishes. Confidence in our culture encourages others to respect it too. Our local dishes can also be promoted by sharing pictures, recipes, and videos on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp to make them attractive and trendy.
Young citizens must learn from their parents and elders how to prepare local meals to keep the knowledge and cultural relevance alive. Local dishes can be modernised to appeal to younger generations and tourists.
Conclusion
We cannot afford to trade our heritage for foreign cuisines which are gaining grounds across the country at an alarming rate. We must disabuse our minds of the perception that anything foreign or imported is better than those locally made. Our health, economy, and identity are tied to the soil. It is time to stop apologising for our local flavours and start celebrating them. It is possible to embrace modernity without losing ourselves and our cultural identity. Let us make the Ghanaian kitchen the heart of our modern identity once again.
By: Marilyn Gadogbe
