Lead counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal to challenge his recent conviction and custodial sentence.
The legal process, lodged on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, by veteran lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea, sets out more than 20 grounds contesting the verdict of the trial court.
Among the primary arguments, Mr Atta Akyea contends that the conviction was unreasonable and unsupported by the evidence on record.
The defence maintains that the trial judge misconstrued key legal provisions governing mineral rights and mining operations, while also exceeding authority by usurping the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to determine the constitutionality of certain statutory provisions.
The appeal further challenges the reliance placed on the testimony of a key prosecution witness, whom the defence characterised as a self-confessed illegal miner directly involved in the alleged enterprise.
Counsel argues that the circumstantial evidence presented did not irresistibly point to guilt, as reasonable alternative explanations and exculpatory evidence were either disregarded or given insufficient weight.
Additionally, the defence maintains that the prosecution failed to establish criminal intent (mens rea) and that the trial court erred in law by lifting the corporate veil to convict the third appellant.
Describing the punishment as inordinately harsh and excessive, the legal team is urging the appellate court to overturn both the conviction and the sentence.
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
