Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has rejected suggestions that the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining is politically motivated or deliberately targeting Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
Kotoko explained that the focus is on addressing real threats linked to illegal mining operations, not political personalities. He pointed out that Wontumi’s public display of wealth has often drawn attention, but the issue is much bigger than individuals.
“It is not targeting, but we live in this country, and one person who publicly always displayed wealth, displayed gold, etc., was Wontumi,” Kotoko explained on Prime Insight on Joy Prime.
He recounted his experience during an operation in Samreboi, which exposed him to the dangerous and deeply spiritual nature of illegal mining networks.
“I was part of the team that was moved to Samreboi on that day, and if you see what happened there. I am a father, I’m a parent. And when I see these things happen, I worry not even because of the people but because of myself and my family,” he said.
Kotoko explained that myths and spiritual beliefs often surround gold in mining communities, creating layers of loyalty and fear among illegal miners.
“There’s a whole lot of myth surrounding gold. It is a spirit, it grows, this and that.
“So when these kingpins employ these small boys into the whole enterprise, they make them take all manner of vows and blood covenants,” he revealed.
According to him, such practices make it difficult to gather information or secure cooperation during investigations.
“Catch him, try to cut even his throat, he will not want to disclose,” he added, underscoring the intensity of the vows and spiritual oaths involved.
