Wontumi’s 20-Year Prison Sentence: Lawyer Atta Akyea Reveals Why He Believes Appeal Could Succeed

Accra, Ghana — The legal team for jailed New Patriotic Party (NPP) powerbroker Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has launched a sweeping appellate challenge against his 20-year prison sentence, with lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea declaring the defence has “a good chance” of overturning the conviction.

The notice of appeal, filed at the Court of Appeal on July 28, 2026, raises more than 20 grounds of challenge targeting both the conviction and the severity of the sentence handed down by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on July 20.

At the heart of the defence’s argument is the claim that the trial judge usurped the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by interpreting constitutional provisions alongside the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended . According to the appeal documents, the combined effect of Sections 13(8) and 46 of the Act is “exculpatory” of Wontumi and consistent with his innocence.

Atta Akyea has also questioned the reliance placed on the testimony of the prosecution’s second witness, whom the defence characterises as a “self-confessed illegal miner” who participated in the alleged enterprise . The appeal contends that circumstantial evidence was insufficient to irresistibly establish guilt, and that no evidence proved the requisite criminal intent for the offences.

“I’m hoping that the judges should apply the law and then we could get him out and contest the appeal,” Atta Akyea said, confirming that an application for bail pending appeal would be filed alongside the substantive appeal . The bail application has been adjourned to October 15, 2026.

On sentencing, the defence maintains that the 20-year custodial term with hard labour is “inordinately harsh and excessive,” arguing the court should have considered the minimum 15-year sentence, especially given Wontumi is a first-time offender . “You cannot use Wontumi as a sacrificial lamb to address a larger problem,” Atta Akyea told JoyNews’ Newsfile.

The conviction stemmed from a police anti-illegal mining operation at the Samreboi concession in April 2025, which led to 29 arrests and the seizure of excavators, firearms, and cash . The court found Wontumi guilty of assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and facilitating unlawful mining.

Despite his incarceration, Wontumi’s political ambitions remain undiminished. His campaign team has collected nomination forms for the NPP National Chairmanship race, insisting his legal predicament will not derail his bid . Whether the Court of Appeal sees merit in his legal arguments — or whether he remains behind bars for the better part of two decades — will determine not only his freedom but the future of one of Ghana’s most polarising political figures.