Ghana High Court Sentences NPP Executive Chairman Wontumi to 20 Years in Prison with Hard Labour for Illegal Mining
The High Court in Ghana has sentenced opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) executive Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of illegal mining-related offences.
The court also convicted his company, Akonta Mining Limited, over unauthorized mining activities within a forest reserve at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Following the trial, the High Court found Chairman Wontumi guilty on all counts. The court ruled that he unlawfully assigned mineral rights without the approval of the sector minister, facilitated mining activities without the required authorization in violation of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, and participated in unlicensed mining operations inside a protected forest reserve.
Defence Pleads for Leniency
Before sentencing, lawyers representing the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman pleaded with the court to show leniency.
The defence argued that Chairman Wontumi is a law-abiding citizen and a first-time offender. They also told the court that he owns several businesses employing hundreds of people, warning that a lengthy prison sentence could lead to significant job losses.
Although the maximum sentence for the offences is 25 years, the court sentenced the 50-year-old businessman and politician to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Ghana’s Fight Against Illegal Mining
Illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. Unlicensed miners have caused extensive damage to rivers, water bodies, and forest reserves across the country.
The widespread use of mercury and other toxic chemicals in illegal mining has contaminated major water sources, posing serious health risks to communities that depend on them for drinking water and household use.
Background of the Case
Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, were prosecuted over alleged illegal mining activities on the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
A third accused person, Kwame Antwi, who remains at large, was also charged in connection with the case.
According to prosecutors, the accused unlawfully assigned mineral rights on the concession without obtaining approval from the sector minister. They were also accused of facilitating mining operations without the necessary legal authorization, contrary to Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act.
The accused faced multiple charges, including facilitating unlicensed mining activities within a forest reserve.
Chairman Wontumi pleaded not guilty and called five witnesses in his defence. After both the prosecution and defence submitted their final written arguments, the court fixed a date to deliver its judgment.
Legal Attempts to Delay Judgment
Before the judgment was delivered, Chairman Wontumi’s lead lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, withdrew from the case.
Former Attorney-General Samuel Atta Akyea subsequently took over the defence and requested additional time to study the case before judgment.
The court postponed its ruling to allow the new defence counsel to prepare. However, Atta Akyea later filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to halt the High Court’s judgment, arguing that the apex court should first interpret certain provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act relied upon by the prosecution.
He also requested another postponement, citing both the pending Supreme Court application and his absence from the country.
Trial judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay dismissed the application, ruling that it lacked merit, and proceeded to deliver the judgment.
Who Is Chairman Wontumi?
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, is a Ghanaian businessman and politician. Since 2014, he has served as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), a position that has made him one of the party’s most influential figures in its traditional stronghold.
During former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, Wontumi was regarded as a major financial supporter of the party.
Beyond politics, he owns mining interests as well as radio and television stations, in addition to several other businesses based in Accra and Kumasi.
In 2022, he made headlines after publicly expressing interest in bidding to purchase English football club Chelsea FC.
In 2025, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested him over alleged illegal mining offences and matters related to an EXIM Bank loan. Authorities alleged that he obtained a GH¢14 million loan from the Ghana Export-Import Bank for a farming project.
Before his conviction and sentencing, Chairman Wontumi had declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
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