Former Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah says the imprisonment of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will not stop his ambition of becoming the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Chairman.
His comments come after the Accra High Court sentenced the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour on July 20, 2026, after finding him guilty on six charges linked to illegal mining.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Adom FM, as cited by GhanaWeb on July 21, 2026, Osei-Mensah maintained that the court’s verdict would not derail Wontumi’s political aspirations within the party.
He expressed confidence that Wontumi’s influence and resolve remain intact despite the conviction and said the NPP’s internal processes would determine his future leadership bid.
“If anyone believes this will deter him from becoming the National Chairman, they should think again,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi was convicted in connection with the Samreboi mining case, in which he was accused of engaging in illegal mining activities and breaching Ghana’s mining and environmental laws.
Investigations found that his company, Akonta Mining Limited, had allegedly operated mining concessions without the required authorisation, raising concerns over environmental degradation and violations of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The case was heard at the Accra High Court (Criminal Court 4 Division), presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
Following months of proceedings, the court found Wontumi guilty on six counts, including the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining operations.
On July 20, 2026, Justice Kocuvie-Tay sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on each count.
