Ghana Minute.
Monday, 14 September 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 14 September 2026
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Ghanaian press · Person

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako

Also known as: Mr. Antwi-Boasiako · Mr Antwi-Boasiako · Kwaku Antwi-Boasiako · Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako · Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako · Antwi Boasiako · Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako

NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman convicted in 2026 of illegal mining; currently serving a 20-year sentence and seeking clemency.

2026-05-092026-09-14

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Joy Online

    ber of Parliament for Manhyia South and Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Subsidiary Legislation Committee, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has clarified that the decision by legal counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako

    Wontumi case: Plea negotiation a legal strategy, not admission of guilt – Baffour Awuah
  3. Joy Online

    rs, if God forbid 2028 we find out that NPP is in power, most of their problems will go away regardless of whether they are guilty or not.” His remarks were made in the context of the reported plea bargain discussions involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako

    Unrepentant NPP doesn’t deserve to return to power – Arthur Kennedy
  4. AG objects to Wontumi counsel's bid to withdraw from case

    1. Joy Online

      Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday during a discussion on the reported plea bargain involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Dr.

      Punishment must be part of any Wontumi plea deal – Arthur Kennedy
    2. Joy Online

      The programme, scheduled to air from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., will feature discussions on the controversial plea bargain negotiations involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as well as the r

      This Saturday on Prime Insight: Wontumi plea deal, Sedina extradition and Mahama ratings
    3. Joy Online

      Newsfile will discuss some issues currently dominating public discourse, including the plea bargain involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), developments surrounding former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe, the impasse at Afari Military Hospital, and recent assessments of P

      Livestream: Newsfile discusses Wontumi’s plea deal, Sedina Tamakloe’s woes, Afari Hospital standoff, Mahama rating
    4. Joy Online

      filed a preliminary legal objection at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra, seeking to block an application by defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi to withdraw from the ongoing criminal case involving Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako

      AG challenges Appiah-Kubi’s bid to withdraw from Wontumi case
  5. Joy Online

    The man at the centre of it all is Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who is universally known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Twice in a year, Chairman Wontumi’s lead lawyer has walked away
  6. Joy Online

    Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has advocated the live broadcast of high-profile criminal trials to enhance transparency and public confidence in the justice system.

    High-profile criminal cases should be televised – Andy Appiah-Kubi
  7. Joy Online

    Counsel for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his withdrawal from one of the high-profile criminal cases involving his client, citing various concerns surrounding the proceedi

    Appiah-Kubi withdraws as lawyer for Wontumi in Samreboi mining trial
  8. Joy Online

    Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a wealthy businessman known across Ghana simply as Chairman Wontumi, is fighting three separate criminal cases at the High Court in Accra.

    Where things stand for Chairman Wontumi: Three cases, a looming mining verdict, a plea deal in play

Monday 31 August

  1. Opinion: Reader criticises government corruption response to airport begging

    A letter writer agrees with President Mahama's crackdown on airport workers begging from visitors, but argues the nation should be equally ashamed of government-level economic mismanagement, IMF borrowing, and corruption by political leaders over the past 34 years of the 4th Republic.

    31 August 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 27 August

  1. Wontumi's GH¢30m EXIM Bank case advances to trial

    Plea bargain negotiations between Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi) and the State in an alleged GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case have collapsed after the prosecution rejected his legal team's settlement proposal. The Accra High Court has ordered the prosecution to file disclosures within 14 days, and the case is now expected to proceed to trial.

    27 August 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Wontumi's withdrawal unlikely to alter NPP chairmanship race dynamics

    Political science analyst Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante says Bernard Antwi-Boasiako's withdrawal from the NPP national chairmanship race will make little or no difference to the contest, arguing the party's leadership culture favours individuals with long-standing experience and demonstrated commitment to party structures over time.

    26 August 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 25 August

  1. NPP chairmanship aspirant Wontumi withdraws, backs Bawumia

    Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), an NPP national chairmanship aspirant, has withdrawn from the race, citing his personal circumstances and a desire not to burden the party as it rebuilds following its electoral defeat. He urged support for Vice President Bawumia.

    25 August 2026 · Joy Online

  2. UK £39bn housing scheme contrasted with Ghana's slow affordable housing delivery

    An opinion piece by Kwaku Antwi-Boasiako compares the UK's £39bn social housebuilding programme (70,000 homes in 10 years) with Ghana's affordable housing efforts, noting that after 14 years and a $200 million loan contracted in 2012, Ghana is on track to deliver only 1,500 units by 2027.

    25 August 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Opinion: Columnist urges President Mahama on galamsey threat

    An opinion piece challenges President Mahama to deploy all constitutional powers to halt galamsey (illegal small-scale mining), describing it as an existential threat to Ghana's water sources and human existence, and contending that the situation has worsened since his administration took office.

    25 August 2026 · Daily Guide

Monday 24 August

  1. Opinion: Why has Mahama not stopped galamsey threat

    An opinion piece argues that President Mahama has not adequately addressed galamsey (illegal small-scale mining) despite 20 months in office, calling it an existential threat to water sources and the nation's existence.

    24 August 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 11 August

  1. NPP accuses Chief Justice of partisan bias over trial warrants

    The New Patriotic Party has accused Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie of exhibiting partisan disposition and facilitating selective justice by issuing special warrants for two High Court judges to conduct substantive criminal trials during the legal vacation. The party questioned why only these two courts were authorised to conduct full criminal trials when the affected cases involve persons associated with the NPP, arguing the decision amounted to unequal treatment.

    11 August 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 29 July

  1. NDC warns Mahama against pardoning Wontumi

    NDC's James Agbey has urged President Mahama not to grant clemency to NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), warning that such a move could provoke grassroots backlash. Agbey dismissed recent appeals for presidential mercy as premature, arguing that Wontumi has not yet served sufficient time and the NPP remains divided on whether to accept his conviction.

    29 July 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 28 July

  1. NPP Chairman Wontumi apologizes to Mahama, seeks presidential clemency

    Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), serving a 20-year sentence for illegal mining in Samreboi Forest, has apologized to President John Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama for remarks made during the 2024 election campaign, and is appealing for presidential clemency.

    28 July 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 27 July

  1. Atta Akyea takes over Wontumi's illegal mining case trial

    Samuel Atta Akyea has become lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve illegal mining case, following the voluntary withdrawal of his former lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi. The trial resumes at the Accra High Court on July 31, 2026.

    27 July 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 26 July

  1. Wontumi's lawyer claims NPP chair knew verdict beforehand

    Private legal practitioner Andy Appiah-Kubi, formerly Wontumi's lawyer, claims the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP had prior knowledge of his conviction in the Samreboi illegal mining case before judgment was delivered, and that Wontumi had told him he would be sentenced to 20 years. Appiah-Kubi disagrees with the conviction, arguing the court wrongly treated Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining as one entity, and says this will form the basis of the appeal.

    26 July 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 25 July

  1. Atta Akyea calls for voluntary return of Ofori-Atta from US

    Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, has urged authorities to allow former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana voluntarily rather than pursuing extradition, arguing that complex extradition proceedings should not be used to compel his return.

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Wontumi's legal team to appeal conviction, seek bail next week

    Lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi) says the defence will file an appeal against his conviction next week and immediately seek bail pending appeal, expressing hope the Court of Appeal will grant bail while considering the case.

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Wontumi's counsel claims AG position supports no-case submission

    Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), argues that comments attributed to the Attorney-General suggest the trial judge should have upheld the defence's no-case submission, contending the prosecution failed to present sufficiently strong evidence against his client.

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Atta Akyea challenges court's illegal mining evidence assessment for Wontumi

    Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), disputes the High Court's findings in his client's illegal mining conviction, arguing the prosecution failed to prove Wontumi sanctioned illegal mining and that the court wrongly interpreted earth-moving equipment on the concession as evidence of mining rather than land reclamation.

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Atta Akyea signals appeal challenge to Wontumi mining conviction

    Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), says the Court of Appeal must review the trial judge's interpretation of mining assignment law after Wontumi's conviction for illegal mining on the Samreboi concession and sentence of 20 years imprisonment plus a fine of 10,000 penalty units (GH¢120,000).

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Justice must not be tied to political calendar, Wontumi's counsel argues

    Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has cautioned against political influence in judicial administration, arguing that the justice system must remain independent and that prosecutions should not be fast-tracked to meet political agendas or government timelines.

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Wontumi's lead counsel criticises pace of illegal mining prosecution

    Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), has criticised what he describes as "indecent haste" in prosecuting politically exposed persons, arguing that his client's illegal mining case was handled at an unusually fast pace compared to ordinary criminal and civil cases in Ghana's courts.

    25 July 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 24 July

  1. High Court convicts NPP Ashanti Chairman Wontumi for illegal mining

    The High Court convicted NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) over illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining and sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment. The government says the verdict demonstrates no one is above the law, while the opposition argues it is politically tainted and has vowed to appeal.

    24 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Wontumi convicted of illegal mining; Ofori-Atta wins US immigration case

    The High Court convicted NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) of illegal mining and sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment, with government calling it evidence that no one is above the law and opposition calling it politically tainted. A United States immigration court found that the Office of the Special Prosecutor failed to provide sufficiently credible evidence in proceedings involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, though the OSP rejected suggestions that its case has collapsed.

    24 July 2026 · Joy Online

Thursday 23 July

  1. Majority Leader tells Minority to challenge Wontumi conviction in court

    Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has dismissed Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin's claims of political persecution, insisting that the courts—not the Attorney General—are responsible for criminal convictions and urging the Minority to challenge court decisions through appropriate legal channels instead of attacking judges.

    23 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. NDC organiser Yamin challenges accusers to produce galamsey evidence

    The National Organiser of the NDC, Joseph Yamin, has challenged those accusing him of illegal mining to provide credible evidence, stating that no state investigative body is probing him for galamsey-related offence. He said the issue before authorities concerns allegations that unidentified persons are using his name to intimidate the public, not an investigation into illegal mining itself.

    23 July 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Amewu calls Wontumi's 20-year sentence severe, questions fairness

    Former Minister John Peter Amewu has described the 20-year prison sentence imposed on NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi) as "severe" and "shocking," saying it raises questions about proportionality and fairness in the administration of justice, while reaffirming his respect for the rule of law and judicial independence.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Former NPP official urges party unity amid Wontumi sentencing

    Dr Sammy Crabbe, former NPP National First Vice Chairman, has called on party members to remain united and support Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) following his conviction on illegal mining charges. The Accra High Court sentenced Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment plus a fine of 10,000 penalty units over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Wontumi appears in Accra court on Tano Nimiri illegal mining charges

    Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), the jailed Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, made his first appearance at Accra High Court for the Tano Nimiri illegal mining case while serving a 20-year sentence from a separate Samreboi illegal mining conviction. He was convicted on six counts under the Minerals and Mining Act for unlawfully assigning mineral rights and facilitating illegal mining through Akonta Mining Limited.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NPP ex-secretary backs Wontumi after galamsey conviction

    Former NPP General Secretary John Boadu has expressed support for Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), who was convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for illegal mining offences on the Samreboi concession. Boadu called him a "Political Prisoner" and urged NPP members to remain united while the party pursues legal challenge to the High Court's decision.

    22 July 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ashanti NPP MPs pledge support for convicted party chairman

    The Ashanti Caucus of NPP Members of Parliament has declared unwavering support for the party's Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako following his conviction by the High Court, describing him as a resilient leader whose contributions to the NPP cannot be diminished by a single court judgment.

    22 July 2026 · Daily Guide

Tuesday 21 July

  1. CEO denies influencing Wontumi trial or judge relationship

    Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has denied claims that a personal relationship with the trial judge influenced the outcome of the illegal mining case against NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. He described as "fabrication" reports that he expressed confidence Wontumi would be convicted because the judge was his sister-in-law.

    21 July 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Wontumi's 20-year mining conviction triggers Ghana constitutional challenge

    Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of Ghana's opposition NPP, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Accra High Court for illegal mining. The Minority Caucus in Parliament has launched a formal challenge against the judgment, citing procedural irregularities including the absence of the lead defence counsel at verdict delivery, arguing this violated the constitutional right to counsel of choice.

    21 July 2026 · Joy Online

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute