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Former NPP Vice Chairman appeals to President Mahama for pardon for Chairman Wontumi
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Kwabena Nsenkyire, former New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant a presidential pardon to Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court to 20 years' imprisonment for illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment for non-payment. Nsenkyire stated that the news saddened party members but their immediate focus was on ensuring justice. He added that the party would await a briefing from Chairman Wontumi's legal team before deciding on next steps. Nsenkyire urged President Mahama to consider the pardon, citing recent pardons granted to other inmates and suggesting it would enhance the President's reputation as a "father for all" and demonstrate Christian values.
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Must ReadPaul Yandoh, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party NPP, was seen in a somber mood following the 20-year prison sentence handed to Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the party's Regional Chairman. A video shared on social media on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, by Askghmedia, showed Yandoh repeatedly shaking his head in disbelief over the court's decision. Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court on July 20, 2026, after being found guilty of illegal mining-related offenses connected to his Samreboi mining operations in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid. The custodial sentence and the default term attached to the fine will run concurrently. Justice Kocuvie-Tay found Wontumi guilty on six counts, including assigning mineral rights without approval and deliberately facilitating an unlicensed mining operation. The NPP has announced its intention to appeal the High Court’s decision.
Must ReadPrivate legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has clarified the legal basis for the Accra High Court's conviction of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, for illegal mining. Kpebu stated that the conviction was rooted in a law that holds individuals accountable for facilitating, permitting, or aiding others in illegal mining. He highlighted the prosecution's evidence, particularly the testimony of Henry Okum, who admitted to mining on the concession. Kpebu explained that the law is broadly framed to prevent individuals from evading responsibility by using others for illegal mining. He noted that the law targets not only those directly involved in mining but also those who enable such activities. Kpebu argued that Wontumi facilitated illegal mining by allowing people to mine on the concession. He also pointed out that the absence of a written agreement weakened Wontumi's defense, as it left the court with conflicting accounts: Wontumi's claim of land reclamation and Okum's testimony of permission to mine. Kpebu emphasized that Okum's testimony remained credible as it was not discredited during cross-examination. He also discussed the court's use of circumstantial evidence, which is permissible if reliable enough to lead to a single conclusion of guilt. Kpebu likened circumstantial evidence to broomsticks, where multiple reliable pieces form a strong case. He added that Chairman Wontumi's admission of granting
The Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the Ghanaian government to move beyond press briefings and strengthen law enforcement to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey. Speaking at a press conference, Convener Kenneth Ashigbey stated that decisive action is needed to stop the destruction of forests, rivers, and farmlands. While acknowledging some government progress, Ashigbey emphasized that the fight requires bold decisions, strict enforcement, and sustained action, not just press conferences. The Coalition welcomed the Attorney General's decision to drop charges against community members defending water bodies and appealed for justice for a 13-year-old victim in Kete Krachi affected by illegal mining. They also commended the revocation of Executive Instruments 144 and 234, which had opened parts of the Achimota Forest for development, calling it a significant step for Accra's "green lung." However, the Coalition warned that other forest reserves, including Atewa, Cape Three Points, Afua Hills, and Draw River, remain threatened by illegal mining and concessions. They urged the government to provide the Forestry Commission with adequate logistics, funding, personnel, and security support to effectively manage protected areas and proposed establishing permanent security camps in forest reserves. Ashigbey stressed that protecting Ghana's forests and water bodies is crucial for the country's future and requires sustained collaboration among government, civil society, trad