Chairman Wontumi Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison Over Illegal Mining Case

 

High Court Convicts NPP Ashanti Chairman on All Six Counts; Akonta Mining Fined

By Business & Legal Affairs Desk | 24HourBusiness.org
Published: July 20, 2026

 

The Accra High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years' imprisonment after finding him guilty on six criminal charges relating to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in Ghana's Western Region.

 

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, presiding over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the judgment shortly after 11:40 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, ending one of Ghana's most significant illegal mining prosecutions in recent years.

In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid. The court ordered that the prison sentence and any default term on the fine would run concurrently.

 

Convicted on Six Counts

The court found Mr. Antwi-Boasiako guilty on all six charges brought by the Republic under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.

The convictions include:

• Assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval. 
• Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining operations. 
• Related offences connected with mining activities carried out on Akonta Mining Company's concession at Samreboi. 

The 20-year custodial sentence falls within the statutory punishment of 15 to 25 years prescribed for the offences under Ghana's mining laws.

 

Akonta Mining Escapes Custodial Sentence

While Chairman Wontumi received a custodial sentence, the High Court imposed only a financial penalty on Akonta Mining Company Limited, the company linked to him.

The court said it had considered mitigating factors before deciding against imposing a custodial punishment on the corporate entity.

The ruling means the company will pay penalties, while its controlling director serves the prison sentence imposed by the court.

 

Defence Pleaded for Leniency

Before sentencing, defence counsel led by Samuel Atta Akyea appealed to the court to exercise mercy by imposing the statutory minimum sentence of 15 years.

The defence argued that Chairman Wontumi:

• had cooperated with investigators throughout the proceedings; 
• attended court consistently; 
• expressed remorse; 
• had no previous criminal convictions; and 
• had made meaningful contributions to his community and the nation. 

However, after considering submissions from both the prosecution and defence, Justice Kocuvie-Tay imposed a 20-year custodial sentence.

 

Background to the Case

The prosecution originated from a major anti-illegal mining operation conducted by security agencies on 16–17 April 2025 at the Samreboi concession.

During the operation, authorities arrested Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 other suspects.

Investigators also recovered:

• 25 operational excavators; 
• firearms; 
• several vehicles; and 
• cash amounting to GH¢157,000. 

The Attorney-General argued that Chairman Wontumi, as owner and controlling director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, permitted mining activities on the concession without obtaining the approval required under Ghana's mining laws.

Throughout the trial, the defence maintained that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako never authorised illegal mining. According to the defence, persons found on the concession were engaged in land reclamation and the establishment of coconut plantations, rather than mining activities.

 

Forfeiture Proceedings Still Pending

Although the criminal trial has concluded, the legal process is not yet entirely over.

The Republic has applied for the forfeiture of property allegedly connected to the offences, including:

• excavators; 
• firearms; 
• vehicles; and 
• the cash seized during the police operation. 

The High Court is expected to rule on that application in a separate proceeding.

 

Business Impact Analysis

The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for Ghana's mining industry and the wider business community.

 

Stronger Regulatory Enforcement

The conviction demonstrates that regulators and prosecutors are prepared to pursue not only illegal miners but also concession holders, company directors and beneficial owners where evidence suggests breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act.

 

Increased Director Liability

The case reinforces that directors may be held personally accountable for corporate actions in regulated industries, particularly where statutory duties are alleged to have been breached.

 

Higher Compliance Expectations

Mining companies are likely to strengthen internal compliance systems covering:

• concession management; 
• ministerial approvals; 
• contractor oversight; 
• environmental compliance; 
• board governance; and 
• regulatory reporting. 
•  

Investor Confidence

Banks, insurers and international investors increasingly evaluate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance alongside legal compliance. Cases involving regulatory breaches can affect financing, investment decisions and corporate reputation.

 

 

Digital Compliance Opportunities

The ruling also highlights the growing need for digital compliance solutions capable of managing licences, permits, audit trails, contractor approvals, document management and regulatory reporting—areas where technology providers can play an important role in supporting Ghana's extractive industries.

 

Editorial Note

This report is based on the judgment delivered by the Accra High Court on 20 July 2026. The court has convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako on all six counts and imposed sentence. Proceedings relating to the Republic's application for forfeiture of seized assets remain pending.