Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi Central and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team member, Peter Kwakye-Ackah has said the conviction of Chairman Wontumi will serve as a deterrent to individuals who engage in illegal mining activities.
Speaking on Angel FM’s ‘Anɔpa Bɔfoɔ’ on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, he argued that the outcome of the case was based on investigations that had been ongoing for years and was not politically motivated.
“Chairman Wontumi’s case will serve as a deterrent. He is the one who sits on television displaying solid gold to bluff people, so he deserves it,” he said.
According to him, JoyNews journalist Asare Donkor played a key role in exposing the alleged activities of Akonta Mining Limited through sustained investigations, adding that the reports were later broadcast to the public.
Peter Kwakye-Ackah stated that former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, publicly acknowledged in 2022 that “Akonta Mining, a company owned by Chairman Wontumi, was destroying lands in the Samaboi area” and had breached the law.
He further alleged that although the matter later lost momentum after former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reportedly defended Chairman Wontumi, the investigations continued, insisting that “it is not the NDC arresting him with their own will” but rather the outcome of evidence gathered over time.
Commenting on the prison sentence, he maintained that the 20-year jail term was appropriate, saying, “The maximum sentence is 25 years and the minimum is 15 years, so if he has been given 20 years, it is fair enough. Even if an appeal reduces it to 15 years, it is still fair.”
He warned that if Chairman Wontumi is released after serving only a short period, it could send the wrong signal that people can violate the law without facing the full consequences.
Peter Kwakye-Ackah also claimed that this is the first time the NDC government has taken legal action against a prominent political figure, adding, “NDC is not known for arresting political opponents, but the NPP are experts at that. Who would have thought Chairman Wontumi would go to jail?”
Source: Georgina Ewuraesi Boison
