Ghana Sentences Ex-NPP Chairman Wontumi to 20 Years for Illegal Mining

The Accra High Court sentenced Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and widely known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for illegally assigning mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining on the Samreboi concession. He was also fined GH₵120,000 per offence, while his company, Akonta Mining Limited, received a GH₵180,000 fine on each count. The conviction, handed down on 20 July 2026, is one of the most high‑profile rulings in Ghana’s crackdown on “galamsey” (illegal mining) that has devastated forests and rivers.

The case has triggered a wave of political reactions. The opposition People's National Party lodged a petition with the UN Human Rights Commissioner alleging selective justice, while the NPP organised a mass visit to Nsawam Prison to show solidarity with Wontumi. Environmental groups hailed the judgment as a victory for natural‑resource protection. Separate legal matters emerged, including the Attorney‑General’s rejection of a GH₵30 million plea‑bargain offer linked to an EXIM Bank fraud allegation and ongoing appeals against the conviction. Public figures, from evangelist Nana Agradaa urging spiritual cleansing to commentators questioning judicial independence, have added further commentary to the unfolding controversy.