Senior Ghanaian politician jailed for 20 years over illegal mining

A Ghanaian court jailed an influential opposition politician for 20 years on Monday after finding him guilty of illegal mining, the most high-profile conviction in the long-running battle against the crime.

The gold-rich country has been battling illegal mining, known locally as "galamsey" – as well as the environmental pollution, threats to cocoa production and political corruption that have flourished in its wake in recent years.

Authorities say galamsey operations have destroyed forests and polluted water courses, and cost the country about $2.0 billion annually.

The High Court in Accra found Bernard Antwi-Boasiako – the leader in the Ashanti Region of opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) – guilty on all six charges against him.

'Allegation never contested'

They include the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and the intentional facilitation of unlicenced mining operations in gold-mining areas.

His conviction followed the arrest in April 2025 of several miners and the seizure of excavators, firearms and cash in a police raid on illegal mining operations.

"The allegation was never contested. The accused admitted that no ministerial approval was received," judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay said.

The 20-year sentence falls within the statutory punishment range of between 15 and 25 years provided for under the West African country's laws.

Right to appeal

Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, is a prominent figure within the NPP, which governed Ghana from 2017 to 2025 before losing power to Mahama's National Democratic Congress.

Several NPP figures, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, have faced investigations or legal proceedings since the NDC returned to power.

The government says the investigations and prosecutions are based on evidence and are not politically motivated.

Antwi-Boasiako retains the right to appeal against both conviction and sentence.