Peter Amewu weighs in on Wontumi's 20-year jail sentence

A former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, has expressed solidarity with Bernard Antwi‑Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his conviction and sentencing to 20 years' imprisonment.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page on July 22, 2026, Amewu said he received the news of Wontumi’s conviction with “deep shock and profound concern.”

According to him, while he respects the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, he believes the sentence raises questions about proportionality and fairness.

Chairman Wontumi jailed for 20 years

Amewu recalled his close working relationship with Wontumi during the reorganisation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2016 elections, noting that both men contributed significantly to the Party’s return to power after its 2008 defeat.

He emphasised that illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most serious environmental challenges, but insisted that the fight against galamsey must be conducted in a manner that preserves justice, due process, and public confidence in the legal system.

“A sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment with hard labour is a matter of grave national concern. It affects not only the individual concerned, but also raises broader questions about how Ghana balances environmental protection, criminal accountability, judicial discretion, political neutrality, and humane justice,” Amewu stated.

Chairman Wontumi found guilty in Samreboi illegal mining case

He added that the decision to appeal was welcome and necessary to test the judgment against principles of law and proportionality.

"I therefore welcome the decision to pursue the appropriate appellate processes. The appeal courts exist precisely to review questions of law, proportionality, sentencing discretion, and possible errors in principle," he added.

He therefore urged party members and citizens to remain calm and disciplined while the matter proceeds through the appellate courts, stressing that his solidarity with Wontumi was not a rejection of the rule of law but a call for it to operate “fully, fairly, transparently, and proportionately.”

"I urge all party members, sympathisers, and concerned citizens to remain calm, disciplined, and respectful of the judicial process while the matter is pursued through the proper legal channels."

Amewu further extended prayers and support to Wontumi, his family, and the wider NPP fraternity, while calling on Ghanaians to reflect on the state of justice and democracy in the country.

VKB/VPO



BREAKING: Chairman Wontumi jailed 20 years in prison