Court jails Chairman Wontumi 20 years with hard labour over Samreboi illegal mining saga

– In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through the political and mining sectors, a circuit court in Samreboi has sentenced Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years of imprisonment with hard labour. The conviction stems from his involvement in illegal mining operations, commonly known as “galamsey,” which have devastated the local environment in the Western North Region.

The verdict, delivered on Friday morning by presiding Judge His Honour Kwaku Asare, marks one of the stiffest penalties ever handed down to a high-profile figure in Ghana’s ongoing crackdown on illicit mining. The court found Wontumi guilty on multiple counts of engaging in mining activities without a valid permit and causing unlawful damage to water bodies and forest reserves.

A Lengthy Legal Battle
The case, which has been ongoing for several months, saw the prosecution present overwhelming evidence, including aerial surveillance footage, financial transaction records, and testimonies from local residents. Lead Prosecutor, Mr. Samuel Kofi Boadu, argued that Wontumi’s operations near the Tano River had not only destroyed hectares of arable land but had also poisoned the primary drinking water source for over 10,000 residents in the Samreboi community.

“The accused, using his influence and resources, bypassed all legal protocols to enrich himself at the expense of the community and the nation,” Mr. Boadu told the court during his closing remarks. “This is not a petty crime; it is an act of environmental terrorism.”

The Sentence and Reaction
Delivering the judgment, Judge Asare did not mince words. He noted that the severity of the environmental degradation warranted a deterrent sentence. “The court has taken into consideration the devastation caused to our forest lands. A mere fine will not suffice,” the Judge stated. “You are hereby sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment with hard labour.”

As the sentence was read, the courtroom fell into a tense silence. Reports indicate that Wontumi, dressed in a white and blue polo shirt, appeared visibly stunned but composed. He maintained a stoic demeanor as court marshals escorted him away.

Broader Implications
The ruling has been met with a mix of jubilation and grief. Environmental activists have lauded the court’s decision as a turning point in the fight against galamsey. “This sends a clear signal that no one is above the law,” said Nana Ama Ansah, a spokesperson for the Coalition Against Illegal Mining. “For years, we have cried out for justice. Today, the soil of Samreboi can begin to heal.”

However, supporters of the embattled politician have described the sentence as a miscarriage of justice, vowing to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal. A statement released by his legal team read, “We are disappointed by the harshness of the sentence. We firmly believe that our client was not given a fair hearing and we will exhaust every legal avenue available to overturn this unjust conviction.”

The Samreboi case has become a touchstone for the government’s renewed commitment to “Operation Halt,” a military-led task force aimed at eradicating illegal mining by 2027. As Wontumi begins his sentence, the community of Samreboi watches with bated breath to see if this verdict will truly turn the tide against the scourge of galamsey.

Reporting from Samreboi, June 20, 2026.