Chairman Wontumi's Accra High Court appearance sparks controversy afte

Chairman Wontumi appeared in the Accra High Court on Wednesday, just days after receiving a 20-year custodial sentence in a related illegal mining matter. He was accompanied by co-accused Akonta Mining Limited, Kwame Antwi, and Owusu Bempah.

Background

Chairman Wontumi, whose real name is Bernard Antwi Boasiako, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. He has been involved in a high-profile case related to illegal mining in the Western Region. The case has seen him face charges of illegal mining allegedly carried out within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region.

The group faces charges of illegal mining, with Akonta Mining Limited implicated in the same matter receiving a fine. Throughout the duration of his trial, Wontumi consistently rejected the allegations against him, insisting he had no involvement in illegal mining and that the charges were without merit.

What This Means

The High Court found NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako guilty of illegal mining offences connected to a concession in Samreboi.

The court handed him a 20-year prison sentence on Monday, 20 July 2026. Wontumi has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, and the appeal marks the next stage of his legal battle.

The defence team has announced plans to file a notice of appeal next week following the court’s ruling. This development comes as the same court found Wontumi guilty on charges connected to separate illegal mining activities at a concession in Samreboi, also in the Western Region.

What Happens Next

The appeal marks the next stage of Wontumi’s legal battle. The defence team’s announcement to file a notice of appeal next week indicates that they intend to challenge the court’s ruling. The outcome of the appeal will determine the next course of action in the case. The court’s decision will have significant implications for Wontumi’s future and the party’s leadership.

The case has sparked widespread interest, with many following the developments closely. The court’s ruling has been met with mixed reactions, with some calling for Wontumi’s resignation as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. The party’s leadership has yet to comment on the matter, with many waiting to see how the case unfolds.

Source: Yen Politics