Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has voiced his support for President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to declare forest reserves as military zones.
In an interview with Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM monitored by Kumasimail, Chairman Wontumi, who is also involved in mining, clarified that he has never mined within the forest reserves.
He explained that although he had applied for mining concessions in the forest reserves, he never commenced mining activities there.
He stated, “I have not mined in the forest before. However, I did apply for concessions to mine in the forest reserves after noticing other companies doing the same. As a Ghanaian, I wanted to apply for it as well. At that time, I completed all the necessary steps and only awaited the lease approval.
“But when illegal miners, known as galamseyers, invaded the forest, I decided to halt my intentions. I was advised to allow the Forestry Commission to take charge of the situation.”
Chairman Wontumi added that since then, he has stayed away from the forest reserves and left the matter entirely to the Forestry Commission.
He expressed strong support for the President’s recent declaration of the forest reserves as military zones to curb illegal mining activities.
“If the President is saying nobody should enter the forest and has declared it a military zone, we support the decision. We pray for the success of our military who are responsible and diligent. We hope that this action will restore peace in the forest reserves,” he concluded.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
