Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has become the highest-profile political figure to be convicted in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.

This followed the High Court in Accra's finding that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman was guilty and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment over the Samreboi mining concession case.

The conviction has triggered intense public debate over whether the verdict marks a turning point in the country’s long-running battle against galamsey, which has devastated forests and polluted major water bodies.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu argued that the conviction reflects what many Ghanaians have long demanded — action against the powerful figures behind illegal mining rather than only lower-level operators.

“... because we’ve always been told that the president wanted to get the kingpins,” he said.

The conviction of Chairman Wontumi is expected to remain a major talking point in Ghana’s anti-galamsey campaign, with attention now shifting to whether authorities will pursue other influential figures alleged to be behind illegal mining operations.

The Samreboi case has become one of the most significant illegal mining prosecutions in recent years, not only because of the sentence imposed but also because it involved one of the country’s most prominent political figures.

Mr Kpebu said previous prosecutions had largely targeted individuals he described as subordinates, while those perceived to be directing or benefiting most from illegal mining remained untouched.

“So far, it appears Henry Okum and Michael Ayisi are underlings, and Wontumi is a kingpin,” he stated.

According to him, Wontumi had, over the years, projected himself as one of the country’s influential mining figures.

“Don’t forget, in the past, Wontumi has been to a radio station with gold bars, etc., flaunted wealth, showing necklaces, etc. So Wontumi has posed as a kingpin, and we all want kingpins, not underlings,” Mr Kpebu said.

He argued that this explains why the two individuals were called by the prosecution to testify in the case.

“So Okum and Ayisi are underlings. That’s why they were used as prosecution witnesses to get their kingpin,” he added.

The lawyer also questioned why the two witnesses, despite admitting their involvement in illegal mining activities during the trial, have not faced prosecution.

“Two individuals who testified that they were actually involved in doing illegal activity; nothing has happened to them. Why?” he asked.