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A Ghanaian court has sentenced an influential opposition politician to 20 years in prison for illegal mining, marking the most high-profile conviction in the country’s long-running battle against the practice known locally as “galamsey.”
The High Court in Accra found Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader in the Ashanti Region, guilty on all six charges against him, including the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and the intentional facilitation of unlicensed mining operations in gold-mining areas.
“The allegation was never contested. The accused admitted that no ministerial approval was received,” said Judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, was arrested in April 2025 following a police raid on illegal mining operations that led to the seizure of excavators, firearms and cash.
The 20-year sentence falls within the statutory range of 15 to 25 years provided under Ghanaian law.
Authorities say galamsey operations have destroyed forests, polluted water courses and cost the country approximately $2.0 billion annually.
The conviction has sparked political tensions. The opposition NPP has accused the government of President John Mahama, who took office last year, of selectively targeting its members.
Several NPP figures, including former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, have faced investigations or legal proceedings since the National Democratic Congress returned to power.
The government has denied the allegations, saying the investigations and prosecutions are based on evidence and are not politically motivated.
Antwi-Boasiako can still challenge his conviction and sentence.
