Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Over Illegal Mining Charges

The High Court in Accra has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to 20 years’ imprisonment over offences linked to illegal mining at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

The judgment was delivered on Monday, July 20, 2026 by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the Criminal Division of the High Court, bringing to a close one of Ghana’s most high-profile prosecutions on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Conviction and Sentence
The court found Chairman Wontumi guilty on all six counts, including assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and intentionally facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended.

In addition to the 20-year custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. He faces an additional 3 years in prison if he defaults on the fine, with the custodial sentence and default term to run concurrently.

The statutory range for the offences is between 15 and 25 years.

Akonta Mining Also Sanctioned
The court also convicted Akonta Mining Company Limited, the company linked to Mr. Antwi-Boasiako. Instead of a custodial sentence, the company was fined after the court considered mitigating circumstances. Other reports indicate Akonta Mining was fined GH¢180,000 on two counts, and 15,000 penalty units for each count.

Prosecutors argued that Wontumi, as owner and controlling director, permitted mining operations within the company’s concession in 2024 without the mandatory written approval of the Minister responsible for mining.

Court Proceedings
Justice Kocuvie-Tay dismissed a last-minute application by the defence seeking to delay judgment and refer constitutional questions to the Supreme Court. The judge held that Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act was clear and did not conflict with Article 19(11) of the 1992 Constitution.

During mitigation, Wontumi’s lawyers, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, pleaded for leniency, describing him as a law-abiding citizen and breadwinner.

After the ruling, lawyer Enoch Afoakwa described the 20-year sentence as “mind-boggling” and said the legal team would consult their client before deciding on the next legal step, including a possible appeal.

Background of the Case
Investigations began after a special anti-galamsey operation by the Ghana Police Service in April 2025 at Samreboi, during which 29 suspects were arrested. The court held that the prosecution proved Wontumi and Akonta Mining permitted Henry Okoom and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to undertake mining activities without securing prior approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

Political Implications
The sentencing marks one of the most high-profile convictions of a sitting regional party executive in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Analysts note it creates a leadership vacuum in the NPP’s Ashanti stronghold and disrupts Wontumi’s campaign for the NPP National Chairman position.

The conviction also reinforces the current government’s messaging on its fight against illegal mining and its “Operation Recover All Loot” initiative.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as they become available.