Social media has been flooded with reactions following reports that Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment over his involvement in an illegal mining-related case.
The Accra High Court on Monday sentenced Chairman Wontumi after finding him guilty in the illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The sentence was handed down by Criminal Court 4 of the High Court after the court convicted Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited, and another accused person, Kwame Antwi, over unlawful mining activities on the company’s concession.
The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
The custodial sentence and the default term attached to the fine will run concurrently.
Before delivering its judgment, the court dismissed an application by the defence seeking to halt proceedings and refer aspects of the case to the Supreme Court for constitutional interpretation.
Presiding judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay ruled that the application lacked merit, despite submissions by defence lawyer Charles Boakye, who held brief for lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea.
Following the ruling, the case became one of the most discussed topics on social media, with Ghanaians sharing varied opinions on the outcome.
While some users described the conviction as a major step in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and evidence that no one is above the law, others expressed sympathy for Chairman Wontumi and offered prayers for him and his family.
Some commentators questioned whether the sentence would eventually be served in full, while others focused on the broader political implications of the case, linking it to renewed efforts to tackle environmental crimes.
There were also discussions about the possible impact on employees and businesses associated with Chairman Wontumi, with some users arguing that workers should not bear the consequences of the actions of individuals.
Others maintained that justice must be applied equally, regardless of a person’s wealth, political influence, or social standing.
The online debate featured a mix of celebration, criticism, humour, political commentary, and calls for fairness, reflecting the strong public interest in the case and its implications for Ghana’s anti-galamsey campaign.
The 20-year sentence falls within the statutory range of 15 to 25 years prescribed under the law for the offences.
Below are some of the reactions shared by Ghanaians on social media:
