The Accra High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party and popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years imprisonment for his role in illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Presiding Judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the Criminal Division, handed down the sentence at about 11:40 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, in what legal observers described as one of the most high-profile prosecutions linked to illegal mining in Ghana.
Conviction And Sentence
Mr. Antwi-Boasiako was found guilty on all six counts, including assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended.
The court imposed a custodial sentence of 20 years, which falls within the statutory range of 15 to 25 years for the offences.
In addition, Justice Kocuvie-Tay fined him 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. Failure to pay the fine will attract a default sentence of three years. The custodial term and the default term will run concurrently.
Akonta Mining Penalized Financially
Akonta Mining Company Limited, the firm linked to Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, also faced charges. The court, however, opted for a financial penalty instead of a custodial sentence for the company after considering mitigating factors.
This means the company will not face imprisonment, but will pay penalty units as determined by the court.
Defence Plea For Leniency
Before sentencing, counsel for Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, led by former MP Samuel Atta Akyea, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
The defence team urged the court to impose the minimum sentence of 15 years, citing the accused’s cooperation with investigators, consistent attendance throughout the trial, and lack of previous criminal record.
They further described him as a family man who had contributed to community development and national politics.
The prosecution, however, argued for a sentence that reflects the gravity of illegal mining and its impact on the environment and national resources. After weighing submissions from both sides, the court settled on 20 years.
Background To The Case
The case stems from a joint police anti-illegal mining operation carried out at the Samreboi concession on April 16 and 17, 2025.
During the operation, authorities arrested Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 other persons. Items retrieved included 25 serviceable excavators, firearms, vehicles, and cash amounting to GH¢157,000.
The Republic contended that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, as owner and controlling director of Akonta Mining, permitted mining activities on the concession without the required approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
The defence maintained that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako did not authorize mining on the site, and that those found there were engaged only for land reclamation and coconut plantation activities.
Forfeiture Application Pending
The State has also filed an application seeking forfeiture of items retrieved from the concession, including the excavators, firearms, vehicles, and cash. The court is expected to rule on that application at a later date.
Significance Of The Ruling
The judgment brings to a close a closely watched case that has generated public debate over illegal mining, political influence, and enforcement of mining laws.
Legal analysts say the sentence signals the judiciary’s resolve to apply the full weight of the law to persons found culpable in “galamsey” operations, regardless of political standing.
Mr. Antwi-Boasiako has been a central figure in Ashanti NPP politics and a vocal voice in party affairs. His conviction is expected to have political implications for the party in the region ahead of the 2028 elections.
