A Ghanaian High Court has sentenced prominent businessman and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison with hard labour for illegal mining offences.
The court found Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining, guilty of engaging in unlawful mining activities inside a forest reserve near Samreboi in Ghana’s Western Region.
The ruling marks a major development in Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which has become one of the country’s biggest environmental challenges.
Court finds Wontumi guilty of mining violations
Delivering the judgment, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled that Wontumi unlawfully transferred mineral rights without approval from Ghana’s sector minister.
He was also found guilty of facilitating unlicensed mining operations, violating provisions of the country’s Minerals and Mining Act.
Although the offences carry a maximum possible sentence of 25 years, the court handed down a 20-year prison term.
The judge’s decision comes after prosecutors argued that illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining contributed to environmental damage and undermined Ghana’s mining regulations.
Defence appeals for leniency
During sentencing, Wontumi’s lawyers asked the court to consider a lighter punishment.
They argued that he was a first-time offender and had contributed positively to society through his businesses, which employ hundreds of people.
The defence team warned that a prison sentence could affect employees and families who depend on his companies.
However, the judge rejected the plea, maintaining that the seriousness of the offences required a strong punishment.
Trial delayed by legal battles
The case experienced several delays before the final judgment.
Wontumi’s original lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, withdrew from the case, after which Samuel Atta Akyea took over as his legal representative.
Atta Akyea requested additional time to review the case documents and later filed a separate legal challenge at Ghana’s Supreme Court over the interpretation and application of the Minerals and Mining Act.
He also asked the High Court to postpone the sentencing, arguing that Wontumi was outside the country.
The court dismissed the request and proceeded with the judgment.
Who is Chairman Wontumi?
The 50-year-old businessman has served as the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman since 2014 and was considered one of the party’s influential figures during former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Beyond mining, Wontumi owns radio and television stations as well as other businesses in Accra and Kumasi.
In 2022, he attracted international attention after announcing his ambition to buy English football club Chelsea.
He was arrested in 2025 by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office over illegal mining allegations and a separate investigation involving a 14-million-cedi loan from Exim Bank linked to a farming project.
At the time of his sentencing, Wontumi was also seeking to become the NPP’s national chairman.
Ghana’s fight against illegal mining
Illegal mining remains a major concern in Ghana, with authorities warning about its impact on forests, rivers and public health.
Many unlicensed miners operate near water bodies and protected areas, using chemicals such as mercury that contaminate water sources used by communities.
The conviction of a high-profile political figure is expected to renew discussions about accountability and the government’s efforts to tackle galamsey.
