Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison After Conviction on Six Illegal Mining Charges

Chairman Wontumi Jailed 20 Years After Conviction on Six Illegal Mining Charges

By ZongoPlus News Desk | July 20, 2026

The Accra High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years' imprisonment after finding him guilty on six charges related to illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession in Ghana's Western Region.

The judgment marks one of the most significant convictions in Ghana's ongoing crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Convicted on Six Charges

The court found the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman guilty of multiple offences under Ghana's mining laws, including:

Assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval.

Facilitating an unlicensed mining operation.

Other offences connected to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession.

Sentence and Fine

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay sentenced Wontumi to 20 years in prison, a term that falls within the statutory sentencing range for the offences.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed:

A fine of GH¢120,000 (10,000 penalty units).

A three-year default prison term if the fine is not paid. The custodial sentence and the default term are to run concurrently.

Meanwhile, Akonta Mining Company Limited, which was also convicted in the case, was ordered to pay financial penalties rather than receive a custodial sentence.

Defence Sought Leniency

Before sentencing, Wontumi's legal team urged the court to impose the minimum sentence permitted by law, arguing that he had:

Cooperated with investigators.

Attended court proceedings throughout the trial.

Shown remorse.

Had no previous criminal convictions.

However, the court concluded that a 20-year sentence was appropriate after considering submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.

Appeal Expected

Following the judgment, Wontumi's lawyer described the sentence as excessive and indicated that the defence intends to challenge both the conviction and the sentence through the appellate courts.

A Landmark Galamsey Case

The prosecution has described the case as part of Ghana's broader effort to combat illegal mining, which has caused widespread environmental damage, including the destruction of forests and pollution of rivers.

The court is also expected to rule separately on an application by the prosecution seeking the forfeiture of equipment and other items allegedly connected to the illegal mining operation.