Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has denied claims that his relationship with the trial judge in the case involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, influenced the outcome of the proceedings.
In a statement issued on July 21, 2026, Mr Ashigbey described as "fabrication" reports alleging that he had expressed confidence Wontumi would be convicted because the trial judge was his sister-in-law. "I never made that statement. It is false. I have never said, anywhere, at any time, that I was confident Wontumi will go to jail because the judge is my sister-in-law. That quote is a fabrication," he stated.
Mr Ashigbey also sought to distinguish the concluded Samreboi illegal mining case from a separate petition he filed together with legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, governance advocate Edem Senanu, and Dr Kwame Asiedu. "The 20th July 2026 ruling of the Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako @ Wontumi, Kwame Antwi (At Large), Akonta Mining Company Limited case has nothing to do with our petition," he said.
The petition, which remains before another court, has yet to be heard on its merits or determined. Mr Ashigbey urged the public to disregard what he described as false and misleading claims and instead remain focused on the broader fight against illegal mining. He reaffirmed his long-held position on the matter, stating, "My position since 2017 has not changed – the 'kingpins' must be given the maximum sentence provided by law."
The claims surfaced after the Accra High Court convicted and sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment in connection with illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession. Mr Ashigbey did not indicate whether he would pursue legal action against those responsible for circulating the claims.
The incident highlights the sensitive nature of judicial proceedings and the potential consequences of spreading false information. It remains to be seen whether Mr Ashigbey will take further action to address the matter.
Source: JOY
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