ACCRA – Monday, 20th July 2026
The Accra High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison over illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Presiding Judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the Criminal Division, delivered the sentence at 11:40 a.m. today.
Conviction and Sentence
Mr. Antwi-Boasiako was found guilty on all six counts, including assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The court handed him 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. In default, he will serve an additional 3 years. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Akonta Mining Penalized
Akonta Mining Company Limited was also convicted but received a financial penalty instead of a custodial sentence.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Defense counsel, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, pleaded for leniency, citing cooperation and a lack of prior record. The prosecution urged a deterrent sentence due to the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
Background
The case stems from a joint anti-galamsey operation on April 16-17, 2025, at Samreboi, where 29 people were arrested, and 25 excavators, firearms, vehicles, and GH¢157,000 cash were seized.
Legal observers say the ruling sends a strong signal that the law will be applied fully, regardless of political status.
_Article: Dr. Georgia_
_#BreakingNews #Wontumi #Galamsey #AccraHighCourt #GhanaNews #IllegalMining_
