A landmark judgment in Ghana's fight against illegal mining has seen the Accra High Court sentence Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years' imprisonment following his conviction on illegal mining-related offences.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay at the Criminal Division of the High Court on Monday, July 20, 2026, concluded one of the country's most closely watched illegal mining prosecutions. The case centred on mining activities carried out on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region by Akonta Mining Company Limited, a company linked to Chairman Wontumi.
The court found Chairman Wontumi guilty of offences including assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended. The offences carry custodial sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years, with the court imposing a 20-year prison term.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units. Should he fail to pay the fine, he faces an additional three-year prison term, although the court ordered that the custodial sentence and the default term run concurrently. Akonta Mining Company Limited was also fined after the court considered mitigating circumstances.
Before sentencing, defence counsel Samuel Atta Akyea appealed to the court to impose the minimum sentence permitted by law. He argued that his client had cooperated with investigators, attended all court proceedings, expressed remorse, and had no previous criminal convictions. The court, however, ruled that the seriousness of the offences warranted a stronger punishment.
The conviction is widely regarded as one of the most significant legal actions taken against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in recent years. Successive governments have identified illegal mining as a major threat to Ghana's forests, rivers, and natural resources, with authorities pledging to hold offenders accountable regardless of their political status.
The ruling has generated mixed reactions across the country. While some Ghanaians have welcomed the verdict as a demonstration of judicial independence and accountability, others—including members of the New Patriotic Party—have indicated that they are reviewing the judgment and considering their legal options, including a possible appeal.
Chairman Wontumi's conviction and 20-year prison sentence mark a significant moment in Ghana's efforts to combat illegal mining and enforce environmental laws. As the legal process continues, including the possibility of an appeal, the case is expected to remain at the centre of national discussions on accountability, environmental protection, and the rule of law. Whatever the eventual outcome, the judgment sends a strong message that illegal mining offences can carry serious legal consequences.