The Accra High Court has sentenced Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison after finding him guilty on six illegal mining-related charges connected to the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Delivering judgment on Monday, July 20, 2026, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako unlawfully assigned mineral rights without approval and facilitated unlicensed mining activities in breach of the Minerals and Mining Act. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of GH¢120,000, with a three-year default prison term if unpaid. The prison sentence and default term are to run concurrently.
The court, however, imposed only a financial penalty on Akonta Mining Company Limited, the firm linked to Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, after considering mitigating circumstances, sparing the company from a custodial sanction.
During sentencing, the defence urged the court to impose the minimum 15-year sentence, citing Mr. Antwi-Boasiako’s lack of previous convictions, cooperation with investigators, regular court attendance, and contributions to society. The prosecution argued for a tougher punishment, leading the court to settle on a 20-year term.
The case stemmed from a police anti-illegal mining operation at the Samreboi concession in April 2025, during which authorities arrested 29 suspects and seized 25 excavators, firearms, vehicles, and GH¢157,000 in cash. Prosecutors maintained that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, as owner and controlling director of Akonta Mining, permitted mining activities without the legally required ministerial approval. The defence insisted the concession was being used only for land reclamation and coconut plantation activities.
The court is yet to rule on the Republic’s application to forfeit the equipment, firearms, vehicles, and cash seized during the operation.