Plea, Smiles, Sadness: What transpired in court during Wontumi's judgment

A series of dramatic moments unfolded at the Criminal Court 4 Division of the High Court as Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay delivered judgment in the Samreboi illegal mining trial.

After months of proceedings involving both the prosecution and the defence, the judge found Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, guilty on all counts and sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour.

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Before the judgment was delivered, several notable moments occurred, including one in which Wontumi smiled as the judge began reading her decision on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay commenced reading the judgment at about 9:24 a.m., beginning with the charges against Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited.

As the judge outlined the prosecution's case, including allegations that he permitted the first prosecution witness (PW1) to mine gold and use the proceeds for land reclamation, Wontumi softly shook his head and said, "No."

Following his conviction, Wontumi's legal team pleaded for a lighter sentence during mitigation.

His lawyer described him as a law-abiding citizen who attended court throughout the trial. He also told the court that Wontumi is married and the breadwinner of his family, urging the judge to temper justice with mercy by imposing the minimum sentence.

A lawyer appearing as a friend of the court also appealed for leniency, arguing that Wontumi owns several businesses that employ thousands of Ghanaians.

The lawyer urged the court to consider the country's high youth unemployment rate when determining the sentence.

Another lawyer, also appearing as a friend of the court, asked Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay to consider the defence's submissions and impose the minimum sentence on both Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining.

The courtroom became emotional as three lawyers appealed to the judge to exercise mercy during sentencing.

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Despite the pleas for leniency, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour.

Shortly after the sentence was handed down, prison officers stationed at the court escorted Chairman Wontumi from the courtroom into custody.

MAG/MA

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