High Court finds Chairman Wontumi guilty in Samreboi illegal mining case

The aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been found guilty by an Accra High Court in the Samreboi illegal mining case.

He was convicted on all six counts.

His lawyers are currently pleading for mitigation, arguing that a prison sentence of between 15 and 25 years would be excessive.

Wontumi's judgment underway as application for deferment dismissed

Here are the six counts on which Wontumi was found guilty:

Count One: Wontumi, as the owner and controlling director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, was charged with assigning mineral rights without approval.

Prosecutors alleged that in 2024, he allowed Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to undertake mining operations within the company's concession without first obtaining the prior written approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

Count Two: Kwame Antwi, a director of Akonta Mining who is currently at large, was charged with the same offence.

Count Three: Akonta Mining Company Limited was charged with the same offence for permitting the two individuals to undertake mining operations on its concession without ministerial approval.

Wontumi, Akonta Mining seek adjournment as Atta Akyea travels abroad

Counts Four, Five and Six: Wontumi, Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Company Limited were each charged with intentionally facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.

Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years' imprisonment upon conviction.



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