Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications for the United Party, has stated that lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, knew he would be jailed over illegal mining activities, yet gave him false hope.
He stated that the legal team knew Wontumi would be unable to escape conviction, but continued taking his money without telling him the truth.
He noted that Andy Appiah-Kubi, the initial lead counsel, foresaw the outcome and used tactics to step down from the case.
He added that Mr Atta Akyea subsequently attempted to rely on technicalities to delay the judgment, but failed.
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Owusu argued that Wontumi’s lawyers should have prepared him for the outcome, but failed him because they were focused on money.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced on Monday, July 20, 2026, to a 20-year prison term with hard labour and a fine of 10,000 penalty units on two separate counts, with the sentences running concurrently.
His company, Akonta Mining, was also fined 30,000 penalty units across two charges, alongside the forfeiture of all items seized from its concession to the State.
Commenting on the ruling, Owusu stressed that the law is clear and that Wontumi received what he deserved. He insisted that the lawyers had a duty to be candid with their client.
“The law is the law and Wontumi got what he deserved. His lawyers knew he was bound to go to prison. That was why Andy Appiah-Kubi ran away from the case. Atta Akyea also knew this was going to happen and that was why he did not appear in court on Monday. They should have told Wontumi the truth about the outcome of the case. You lawyers knew the truth but you took his money and gave him false hopes. This should teach us bitter lessons,” he said.
He further highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining, noting that it has increased cases of kidney and heart diseases, alongside birth defects in newborns.
Describing the conviction as a positive step, Owusu noted that jailing a major financier sends a strong signal, urging authorities to pursue all other kingpins behind the practice.
“This is a victory for the state, but I would encourage the state to go after all other financiers of galamsey. As we speak, the galamsey menace is being financed by kingpins, and the sentencing of Wontumi is a very good development. The machines for galamsey are not GH₵2 that any ordinary people can purchase. With this outcome, we should go after the kingpins. The report by Prof. Frimpong Boateng is still available and must be used so that all the kingpins of galamsey will be arrested and prosecuted,” he added.
Background
The High Court has sentenced Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to a 20-year prison term in hard labour and a fine of 10,000 penalty units on two separate counts, with the sentences running concurrently.
His company, Akonta Mining, has also been slapped with a fine of 30,000 penalty units across two charges, alongside the forfeiture of all items seized from its concession to the State.
Delivering her judgment, the presiding judge highlighted the severity of the offenses, emphasising the critical need for deterrence to prevent an impending environmental catastrophe caused by unchecked illegal mining.
The court noted that the illegal exploitation of mineral resources deprives the State of its rightful property while severely damaging the environment and undermining established regulatory frameworks in the mining sector.
Taking into account their status as first-time offenders and their counsel’s plea in mitigation, the court convicted Chairman Wontumi to 20 years in hard labour and a 10,000 penalty unit fine on count one, with an additional three years in hard labour in default of payment.
On count four, Chairman Wontumi received an identical sentence of 20 years in hard labour and a fine of 10,000 penalty units, or three years in hard labour in default, both terms running concurrently.
Akonta Mining was fined 15,000 penalty units on count three and another 15,000 penalty units on count six, bringing its total monetary penalty to 30,000 penalty units.
In line with Section 9 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 2019 (Act 995), all equipment and items retrieved from Akonta Mining’s concession are forfeited to the State, with the Sector Minister directed to process the items according to statutory provisions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana