Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, will pursue his bid for the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) national chairmanship. This decision comes despite his recent 20-year imprisonment for illegal mining activities.
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Dankwah, Chairman Wontumi's spokesperson, confirmed this development. He stated that supporters would pick up nomination forms on Wontumi's behalf before the end of the week. This action proceeds despite concerns about his eligibility under the party's constitution.
Chairman Wontumi's conviction highlights Ghana's ongoing struggle against illegal mining, or 'galamsey'. This illicit activity devastates farmlands, pollutes water bodies, and costs the nation significant revenue. The government has launched various initiatives to combat galamsey, including military operations and policy reforms. High-profile prosecutions like Wontumi's underscore the severity of the issue and the government's efforts to enforce environmental laws. The economic impact of galamsey includes lost agricultural productivity and increased water purification costs for municipalities.
Dr. Boakye-Dankwah, speaking on Joy FM's Newsnight, maintained that nothing legally prevents Wontumi from contesting. He explained that supporters view Chairman Wontumi as a political prisoner. They believe he should therefore be allowed to contest for the party position. "Chairman Wontumi is a politician. His friends believe in his ambition," Dr. Boakye-Dankwah stated. He added, "they are going to make sure that his form will be picked, submitted and filed."
This situation will test the NPP's internal constitutional provisions regarding members convicted of certain offenses. It also raises questions about the party's commitment to anti-corruption efforts and environmental protection. Decision-makers within the NPP will need to address the eligibility concerns. The party's response could influence public perception and its standing ahead of future elections. Investors and environmental groups will closely watch the implications for Ghana's mining sector and governance standards.
Chairman Wontumi received his 20-year sentence on Monday, July 20, 2026. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the Criminal Division of the High Court delivered the judgment. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GHS 120,000. Failure to pay this fine would result in an additional three years' imprisonment. The case involved illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. Dr. Boakye-Dankwah dismissed suggestions that Wontumi should focus solely on his legal battle. He noted that Wontumi had already completed a nationwide campaign tour before his imprisonment. This tour covered all 16 regions and 276 constituencies. "Chairman was one of the first persons who stepped into the competition," he said.