Accra, Ghana – Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment by the Accra High Court after being found guilty on multiple illegal mining-related offences connected to the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The sentence follows months of legal proceedings in one of Ghana’s most closely watched galamsey prosecutions.
The Accra High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty on illegal mining-related offences linked to operations at the Samreboi concession in Ghana’s Western Region.
The Criminal Division of the High Court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Wontumi on charges including facilitating unlicensed mining activities and assigning mineral rights without the required approval under Ghana’s mining laws. The custodial sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve 20 years if the conviction remains in force.
The court also imposed financial penalties on both Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited. During mitigation, the defence argued that he was a first-time offender and appealed for a lighter sentence, but the court proceeded with the custodial term.
Meanwhile, a viral audio circulating across social media platforms, including X, has generated intense public discussion by claiming to explain the reasons behind the court’s decision. However, the authenticity and accuracy of claims made within the circulating audio have not been independently verified. Readers should distinguish between verified court proceedings and commentary shared on social media.
According to court proceedings, the prosecution alleged that illegal mining activities were carried out on the concession without the legally required approvals. The court ultimately accepted the prosecution’s case and convicted Wontumi under the applicable provisions of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining laws.
Legal experts say Wontumi retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence before the Court of Appeal. His legal team is also expected to explore other legal remedies available under Ghanaian law.
The judgment is expected to remain a major reference point in Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining (galamsey), with many observers describing it as one of the country’s most significant environmental crime convictions involving a high-profile political figure.
Read more Ghana News, follow our Ghana News Live updates, browse today’s Top Stories, and explore legal developments in our Policy & Law Hub.
For additional background on today’s judgment, see reports published by Asaase Radio and GBC Ghana Online.
