Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, has expressed concern over the 20-year prison sentence handed to Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the punishment as excessive and raising concerns about fairness and proportionality in the justice system.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, Mr Amewu said he was deeply saddened by the conviction and custodial sentence but emphasised that his remarks should not be interpreted as disrespect for the judiciary or the rule of law.

“I have received with deep shock and profound concern the news of the conviction and custodial sentence imposed on Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his respect for Ghana’s judicial system, noting that every citizen is entitled to due process under the Constitution.

Chairman Wontumi was convicted on six counts under Section 99 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019, after the Accra High Court found him guilty of unlawfully transferring mineral rights without the approval of the Minister and facilitating illegal mining activities in a protected forest reserve through Akonta Mining Limited.

Following the judgement, Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and is currently serving his term at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. He has also appeared before another court in connection with a separate illegal mining case involving the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The New Patriotic Party has already announced plans to challenge both the conviction and the sentence at the Court of Appeal.

Reflecting on his relationship with Chairman Wontumi, Mr Amewu said they had worked together for many years, particularly during the NPP’s rebuilding efforts after its defeat in the 2008 general elections.

According to him, Wontumi played an important role in mobilising support for the party, which contributed to its victory in the 2016 elections.

While reiterating his support for the national campaign against illegal mining, Mr Amewu stressed that the fight against environmental crimes must always be conducted in accordance with the principles of justice, fairness and due process.

“The fight against illegal mining must be firm, lawful and non-partisan. At the same time, the fight must be conducted in a manner that preserves justice, proportionality, due process and public confidence in the legal system,” he said.

He argued that the sentence raises broader national questions about balancing environmental protection with criminal accountability, judicial discretion, political neutrality and fairness in the administration of justice.

Mr Amewu welcomed the decision by Wontumi’s lawyers to appeal the judgement, saying the appellate courts exist to review legal decisions, sentencing and any potential errors made during trial proceedings.

“The appeal courts exist precisely to review questions of law, proportionality, sentencing discretion and possible errors in principle,” he noted.

He added that his support for Chairman Wontumi should not be seen as opposition to the rule of law, but rather as a call for justice to be applied fairly, transparently and proportionately.

Mr Amewu also appealed to members and supporters of the NPP to remain calm, respect the legal process and allow the courts to determine the outcome of the appeal.

He concluded by expressing his solidarity with Chairman Wontumi, his family, the Ashanti Regional leadership of the NPP and the wider party, while wishing for justice, peace and national unity in Ghana.