Bernard Antwi Boasiako becomes the most senior Ghanaian politician to be convicted under the country’s anti-galamsey campaign, as the opposition vows to appeal.

Accra, Ghana (Running Africa) — A Ghanaian court has sentenced Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison with hard labor after convicting him of facilitating illegal mining, marking the most high-profile political conviction since Ghana intensified its crackdown on galamsey in 2017.

Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), becomes the most senior political figure to be convicted under the government’s campaign against illegal mining, a practice widely blamed for severe environmental destruction across Ghana.

Court Finds Illegal Mining Offenses Proven

The High Court in Accra also imposed fines exceeding $10,000 after ruling that Boasiako, through his company Akonta Mining, unlawfully allowed two individuals to conduct mining operations on a licensed concession without obtaining the legally required ministerial approval.

According to prosecutors, the offenses included the unauthorized transfer of mineral rights and facilitating illegal mining activities in violation of Ghana’s mining regulations.

NPP Announces Appeal

The conviction prompted an immediate response from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong describing the ruling as politically motivated.

Frimpong argued that the court failed to give adequate consideration to key defense evidence and confirmed that the party’s legal team has filed an appeal seeking to overturn the conviction.

Boasiako’s legal representatives are expected to challenge both the conviction and the sentence in the appellate courts.

Environmental Groups Welcome Landmark Ruling

Environmental organizations and anti-galamsey campaigners hailed the judgment as a significant milestone in Ghana’s long-running fight against illegal mining.

For years, conservation groups have argued that stronger enforcement is necessary to deter illegal mining operations that continue to damage rivers, forests, and agricultural land across the country.

Illegal Mining Remains a National Challenge

Illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges.

Despite successive government crackdowns since 2017, illegal mining continues to pollute major water bodies, destroy forest reserves, and threaten farming communities, prompting repeated calls for stricter enforcement and greater accountability.

The conviction of Chairman Wontumi is expected to become a landmark case in Ghana’s anti-galamsey campaign as the country continues efforts to protect its natural resources while pursuing legal action against individuals accused of violating mining laws.