The Accra High Court has convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, on all six charges of illegal mining. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The charges relate to activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, presiding over the Criminal Division of the High Court, found Mr. Antwi-Boasiako guilty. The charges included the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and purposely facilitating unlicensed mining operations. These actions contravene the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended. Each count carries a possible sentence of up to 25 years' imprisonment. The court has not yet pronounced a sentence.
This ruling concludes a significant trial in Ghana's ongoing struggle against illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey'. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako's high-profile political position within the NPP made this case particularly sensitive. The conviction underscores the government's commitment to enforcing mining regulations, even against influential individuals. This commitment is crucial for protecting Ghana's environment and ensuring proper revenue collection from its mineral resources.
The court determined that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, as owner and controlling director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, allowed mining activities without ministerial approval. Specifically, he permitted Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the concession. This occurred without the prior written approval required by Section 14(1) of Act 703. The court also found he facilitated mining by persons without a Minister-issued license, violating Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, presented evidence from four witnesses. Henry Okum testified that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako granted him permission to mine in September 2024. A Senior Manager for Legal Affairs at the Minerals Commission, Joseph Iroko, confirmed no record of ministerial approval existed for the concession's transfer or assignment. This testimony was critical in establishing the lack of proper authorization.
The case originated from a special police anti-illegal mining operation in Samreboi on April 16 and 17, 2025. This operation led to the arrest of Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 others. Authorities seized excavators, firearms, suspected gold materials, and GHS 157,000 in cash during the raid. The Republic has applied for the forfeiture of these seized items, including vehicles. The court is expected to rule on this forfeiture application before sentencing.
Mr. Antwi-Boasiako had pleaded not guilty to all charges when arraigned on October 7, 2025. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming Henry Okum was contracted only for land reclamation and a coconut plantation project, not mining. The defence called witnesses, including former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources George Mireku-Duker and former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah. However, the court dismissed a submission of no case, finding sufficient evidence for the prosecution.
This conviction sends a strong signal to all involved in Ghana's mining sector. It reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of their political standing. The impending sentencing will be closely watched by environmental activists, industry players, and the public. It will further indicate the severity with which Ghana intends to tackle illegal mining. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako and the other accused retain the right to appeal the decision at higher courts.