‘Mahama Is Not the Judge’ – Bukom Banku Defends President Over Wontumi’s Conviction

Ghanaian boxer and entertainer Bukom Banku has come to the defence of President John Dramani Mahama, dismissing claims that the President is responsible for the reported 20-year prison sentence handed to Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Speaking in a video shared on social media on July 23, 2026, Bukom Banku argued that President Mahama should not be blamed for Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles because the President is neither a judge nor a lawyer and therefore does not determine court rulings.

According to the outspoken boxer, anyone who acquires wealth through illegal means or engages in unlawful activities should be prepared to face the full force of the law.

Bukom Banku also accused Chairman Wontumi of engaging in illegal mining (galamsey), alleging that such activities have contributed to the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies. He further questioned the whereabouts of money allegedly linked to Zenith Bank.

In his characteristic style of speaking, Bukom Banku stated:

“President Mahama is not a judge or a lawyer. Chairman Wontumi, the river that he spoilt and the money he collected, there’s no pay. It’s not John Mahama who jailed Wontumi.”

He criticised those blaming the President, saying:

“All the talks they’re doing are stupid. The illegal mining he’s doing to get gold that destroyed water bodies and the Zenith Bank money, where are they?”

Bukom Banku maintained that if Chairman Wontumi has indeed been sentenced to 20 years in prison, the decision should be attributed to the judicial process rather than President Mahama.

He stressed that the President does not hand down prison sentences, adding that the law applies equally to everyone regardless of their status.

“As they’ve jailed him for 20 years, Mahama is not the judge who jailed him; he’s rather the President of Ghana. Mahama does the right things, and anyone who spends money that’s not legal will face the law. The law will deal with you when you go against it,” Bukom Banku added.

Credit@THE FREE YOUR MIND PODCAST