Social media reacts to 20-year sentence for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako
via GhanaWeb6 min read
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi and the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The Criminal Court 4 Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, delivered the judgment on Monday, July 20, 2026, ruling against him on all charges, with sentences to run concurrently. The sentencing has led to mixed reactions on social media. Some users on X believe the punishment is too severe, while others argue that Wontumi deserves the sentence. Sympathizers have expressed shock and disappointment, while critics have welcomed the ruling as a necessary step for justice. Comments on social media platforms reflect a divided opinion, with some questioning the proportionality of the sentence compared to a potential fine, and others expressing skepticism about the likelihood of him serving the full term.
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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垄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 ReadBernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison with hard labor. An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, delivered the judgment on July 20, 2026. The court ruled that Antwi-Boasiako, as the first accused, would serve 20 years for count 1 and another 20 years for count 4, with both sentences running concurrently. Additionally, he was fined 10,000 penalty units for each count, with a default of three years' imprisonment with hard labor if the fines are not paid. The court noted that Antwi-Boasiako was a first-time offender. A 59-page court ruling details the trial and the reasons for the decision.