The Deputy Director of IT and Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko Computer, has defended the 20-year sentence handed to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Bernard Antwi Bosiako widely known as Chairman Wontumi.

Reacting to the sentencing in an interview on JoyNews monitored by GhanaWeb on July 21, 2026, he said the NDC made it very clear before assuming office in 2025 that it would target the “kingpins” behind illegal mining, including those who finance, resource and facilitate the activities.

He said the state was committed to using all legal means available to hold such persons accountable, arguing that the effects of galamsey pollution had become a national concern.

“We did indicate in 2024 that when we come in, we will target the kingpins of galamsey - those financing, resourcing and facilitating galamsey and the state will use all legal means to get to those behind this dastardly act,” he said.

Tanko Computer warned that the consequences of the pollution of water bodies due to illegal mining activities widely known as galamsey could affect everyone regardless of their location.

“People kidneys are having problems because of galamsey pollution, we are in Accra and we think it will not affect us", he stated.

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Tanko Computer rejected claims that Wontumi's trial was politically motivated.

He argued that the trial was conducted through due process and praised the presiding judge’s ruling.

“... Who is persecuting whom? This man has been through trial, and the judge delivered a masterpiece. We are all students of law. The trial judge delivered a masterpiece” he added.


His comments follow concerns raised by the NPP that the conviction was a case of political persecution.

Wontumi has been sentenced to 20 years of hard labour by the Accra High Court for illegal mining activities in Samreboi.

The court found him guilty on multiple charges related to galamsey operations.

The NPP has described Wontumi as a "political prisoner" and has announced its decision to appeal against the decision of the court.

JKB/VPO

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