The High Court in Accra has sentenced Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi‑Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years’ imprisonment for offences connected to illegal mining on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie‑Tay, presiding over the Criminal Division of the High Court, handed down the sentence shortly after 11:40 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, concluding one of Ghana’s most high‑profile galamsey prosecutions.
In addition to the custodial term, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units—equivalent to GH¢120,000—with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if unpaid. The custodial sentence and the default term will run concurrently.
Mr Antwi‑Boasiako had earlier been convicted on all six counts, including assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and deliberately facilitating unlicensed mining operations, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended. The 20‑year sentence falls within the statutory range of 15 to 25 years prescribed under the law.
The court showed leniency toward Akonta Mining Company Limited, the firm linked to Mr Antwi‑Boasiako, imposing only a financial penalty after considering mitigating factors. The company, which faced similar charges, was ordered to pay penalty units rather than face custodial punishment.
Before sentencing, defence counsel led by Samuel Atta Akyea pleaded for mercy, urging the court to consider the minimum 15‑year term. They argued that Mr Antwi‑Boasiako had demonstrated remorse, cooperated with investigators, and consistently appeared in court. Counsel also described him as a family man with no prior criminal record who had contributed to his community and the nation.
The court, however, imposed a 20‑year custodial term after weighing submissions from both sides.
Background
The case stemmed from a police anti‑illegal mining operation at Samreboi on April 16 and 17, 2025, which led to the arrest of Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 others. Authorities seized 25 serviceable excavators, firearms, vehicles, suspected gold, and GH¢157,000 in cash.
Prosecutors argued that Mr Antwi‑Boasiako, as owner and managing director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, permitted mining activities without the required approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The defence maintained that he never authorised mining, insisting those on the concession were engaged in land reclamation and coconut plantation projects.
The Republic has also filed for forfeiture of the seized excavators, firearms, vehicles, and cash. The court is expected to rule on that application in due course.
Mr Antwi‑Boasiako and the other accused retain the right to appeal at the Court of Appeal and subsequently the Supreme Court.
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