A dramatic scene unfolded outside the Accra High Court on Thursday morning when a pastor laid hands on Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and offered an intense prayer moments after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman arrived for a case management conference.
The viral video, which has since flooded social media platforms, shows the clergyman shouting spiritual declarations over Wontumi while the politician remained seated in his luxury vehicle surrounded by supporters and security personnel.
Wontumi is facing charges of conspiracy to commit crime and unlawful assignment of mineral rights in connection with alleged illegal mining activities, popularly referred to as galamsey. The case, which has attracted nationwide attention, is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on the devastating environmental impact of small-scale mining that has polluted over 60 percent of Ghana’s major river bodies.
Pastor’s Fiery Prayer for Chairman Wontumi at Accra High Court
A man of God was seen offering prayers for Chairman Wontumi, who remained seated in his vehicle as he arrived at the Accra High Court for today’s proceedings. pic.twitter.com/eG1dwiCGhW
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) November 27, 2025
During Thursday’s proceedings, the court maintained Wontumi’s GH¢15 million bail and adjourned the matter to December 8, 2025, while directing the prosecution to serve additional disclosures and both parties to file witness lists.
Social media users have responded with a mixture of amusement, criticism and outrage, with many describing the public prayer session as theatrical and questioning its sincerity given the serious environmental and legal implications of the charges. Comments ranged from memes mocking the pastor’s animated delivery to heated debates about whether political figures accused of enabling galamsey should receive such visible spiritual backing in public.
The trial continues to fuel national conversation around illegal mining, elite accountability and the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves, with many Ghanaians calling for stricter enforcement regardless of political affiliations. The next court appearance on December 8 is expected to move the high-profile case closer to substantive hearing.
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