BREAKING: High Court Convicts Chairman Wontumi in Samreboi Illegal Mining Case
Accra, Ghana — July 20, 2026
The Accra High Court has convicted the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over offences linked to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
The court found Wontumi guilty on charges including assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and purposely facilitating unlicensed mining operations, contrary to Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act. The case also involved his company, Akonta Mining Limited, which was convicted alongside him.
Following the conviction, the court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts, with the sentences to run concurrently, meaning he is to serve a maximum of 20 years. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on each count, while Akonta Mining Limited was fined 15,000 penalty units on each of its counts.
Background
The prosecution argued that mineral rights on the Samreboi concession were transferred or assigned without obtaining the mandatory approval of the Minister responsible for Mines. It further alleged that the accused facilitated mining activities by unlicensed operators, contrary to Ghanaian mining laws.
Throughout the trial, Chairman Wontumi maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team argued that there had been no unlawful assignment of mineral rights and challenged key aspects of the prosecution’s evidence. However, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Why the Judgment Matters
The ruling is one of the most significant court decisions in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining (galamsey). It underscores the judiciary’s willingness to enforce the Minerals and Mining Act regardless of political or social status and is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat environmental degradation and illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
The case has attracted nationwide attention because of Chairman Wontumi’s prominent political position and the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining.
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