Cecilia Marfo has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant clemency to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his imprisonment in connection with an illegal mining case.
The gospel musician made the appeal during an interview on Aluta FM on July 22, where she argued that Wontumi’s incarceration has not brought an end to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, because the practice continues in many parts of the country.
Marfo said she had personally witnessed illegal mining activities while attending an event, insisting that the ongoing destruction of the environment shows the problem extends beyond one individual.
“Jailing him hasn’t stopped people from engaging in galamsey. There are people still doing it. I went to a program somewhere and just close to the location, I saw people seriously engaging in galamsey. They even came to greet us,” she said.
She maintained that tackling galamsey requires sustained commitment from successive governments rather than focusing on a single person.
“So I am begging the government. The fight against galamsey is not a one person job. One government does some work, the next government continues,” she stated.
Marfo also clarified that her remarks were rooted in her Christian beliefs and should not be viewed through a political lens.
“I’m not defending or attacking anybody. I’m speaking from a place of Christianity. Don’t misquote me. Just as Christ forgives us anytime we sin, we learn to forgive people for their sins.”
On that basis, she appealed directly to President Mahama to consider showing compassion to the opposition politician.
“So I’m begging our father President Mahama to find a place in his heart to forgive Chairman Wontumi.”
When asked whether she believed Wontumi’s sentence should simply be reduced or whether he should be set free entirely, Marfo made her position clear.
“If it were up to me, I would pardon and release him.”
Watch her statement below.
