The Accra High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to 20 years imprisonment. The court also imposed a GHS 120,000 fine on Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for illegal mining activities. This judgment, delivered on Monday, July 20, 2026, by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, concludes a significant prosecution regarding operations on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Mr. Antwi-Boasiako was found guilty on six counts, including assigning mineral rights without approval and facilitating an unlicensed mining operation. These actions violated the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended. The court stipulated that the GHS 120,000 fine, equivalent to 10,000 penalty units, carries a default sentence of three years' imprisonment if unpaid. Both the custodial sentence and the default term will run concurrently.
This conviction underscores Ghana's ongoing struggle against illegal mining, locally known as 'galamsey'. The practice has caused widespread environmental degradation, polluted water bodies, and led to significant economic losses. The government has intensified efforts to combat 'galamsey', with high-profile prosecutions like this one serving as a deterrent. The case highlights the severe consequences for individuals and entities involved in unauthorized mining, reflecting a broader commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and protecting natural resources.
Justice Kocuvie-Tay, presiding over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence shortly after 11:40 am. Mr. Antwi-Boasiako's lawyers, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, had pleaded for a minimum sentence of 15 years. They argued that their client had shown remorse, cooperated with investigators, and had no prior criminal record. Despite these pleas, the court imposed a 20-year term, which falls within the statutory range of 15 to 25 years for the offences.
The court also showed leniency towards Akonta Mining Company Limited, a firm linked to Mr. Antwi-Boasiako. The company, which faced similar charges, received a financial penalty instead of a custodial sentence. This decision means the company will not receive the same imprisonment imposed on its controlling director. The court considered mitigating circumstances when determining the company's penalty units.
The case originated from a police anti-illegal mining operation conducted at the Samreboi concession on April 16 and 17, 2025. This operation led to the arrest of Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 others. Authorities recovered 25 serviceable excavators, firearms, vehicles, and GHS 157,000 in cash during the raid. The prosecution maintained that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, as the owner and controlling director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, permitted mining activities without the required ministerial approval.
The defence, however, argued that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako never authorized mining activities. They claimed that individuals found on the concession were engaged solely in land reclamation and coconut plantation activities. The Republic is also seeking a forfeiture order for the items retrieved from the concession, including the excavators, firearms, vehicles, and cash. The court is expected to rule on this application in a subsequent hearing.
This judgment sends a strong signal to the mining sector and political figures about the government's resolve to tackle illegal mining. It reinforces the importance of adhering to the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703). The outcome will likely influence future enforcement actions and may prompt greater scrutiny of mining operations across the country. Decision-makers and investors will closely watch the implications for the broader regulatory environment and the fight against environmental degradation.