Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has described the conviction and 20-year prison sentence handed to Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a major victory for Ghana.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen programme on July 20, 2026, Kpebu said the judgment was grounded in evidence presented during the trial and not based solely on a confession, as some have suggested.
“The court did not rely solely on confession. The sentence was arrived at through cross-examination,” he said.
He explained that assigning mineral rights without obtaining the required written approval is an offence under Ghana’s mining laws.
“Giving out the land without written approval is also an offence,” Kpebu stated.
The lawyer also pointed to the legal procedures governing land reclamation, noting that mining operators are required to work with the Minerals Commission before carrying out such activities.
“There are rules on reclamation before it is done; it is done with the Minerals Commission,” he explained.
Kpebu expressed hope that more people involved in illegal mining would be brought before the courts and held accountable.
“As for the kingpins, we are expecting more to be convicted. This case is a victory for Ghana,” he added.
His remarks follow the conviction of Chairman Wontumi, who was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour in connection with an illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.
