The Accra High Court has sentenced New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years’ imprisonment after convicting him of offences related to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, presiding over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence shortly after 11:40 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, bringing to a close one of Ghana’s most high-profile illegal mining prosecutions.
Fine and Prison Sentence
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court fined Mr Antwi-Boasiako 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. Failure to pay the fine will attract a three-year prison sentence, although the default term will run concurrently with the 20-year custodial sentence.
Justice Kocuvie-Tay had earlier convicted the NPP regional chairman on all six counts, including assigning mineral rights without approval and purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.
The 20-year sentence falls within the statutory punishment of 15 to 25 years’ imprisonment prescribed under the law for the offences.
Company Fined
The court also sanctioned Akonta Mining Company Limited, the company linked to Mr Antwi-Boasiako, but opted to impose a financial penalty instead of a custodial sentence.
After considering mitigating factors, the court ordered the company to pay a fine, sparing it the custodial punishment imposed on its controlling director.
Plea for Leniency Rejected
Before sentencing, defence lawyers led by Samuel Atta Akyea appealed to the court to impose the minimum sentence of 15 years, urging the judge to temper justice with mercy.
The defence argued that Mr Antwi-Boasiako had cooperated with investigators, consistently honoured court proceedings, shown remorse and had no previous criminal convictions. Counsel also described him as a family man who had made significant contributions to his community and the country.
However, after considering submissions from both the defence and the prosecution, Justice Kocuvie-Tay sentenced Mr Antwi-Boasiako to 20 years’ imprisonment, bringing the trial to its conclusion.
