Akonta Mining: Wontumi slapped with six counts, granted GH¢15m bail

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been charged with six counts linked to illegal mining activities.

The charges are connected to alleged unauthorized mining operations carried out by his company, Akonta Mining Limited, at Samreboi in the Western Region.

According to court documents, Wontumi was charged alongside his company and one Kwame Antwi, who is said to be on the run. The charges include the unlawful assignment of mineral rights without ministerial approval, corporate liability for unauthorized assignment, and facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

The case follows a joint state security operation on April 26, 2025, which led to the arrest of 29 persons allegedly engaged in mining on Akonta Mining’s concession. One of the suspects, identified as Michael Ayisi Gyedu, reportedly told investigators that he was authorized by one Henry Okum to supervise mining activities on the land.

Prosecutors said Okum later confessed during interrogation that he had obtained permission directly from Chairman Wontumi to mine within the Samreboi concession. Investigators allege that the NPP chairman gave the authorization without securing the required approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, as stipulated by Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act.

Chairman Wontumi reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra on Monday, October 6, 2025, around 9:30 a.m. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, and was later granted bail in the sum of GH¢15 million with two sureties.

Speaking to the media after the engagement, Mr. Appiah-Kubi confirmed that the charges involve allegations of mining without a valid license. He said his client had cooperated fully with investigators and was ready to face the legal process. “We are not avoiding the law. The Attorney General’s earlier warning was unnecessary because we had already confirmed our intention to appear before the CID,” he noted.

The lawyer further emphasized that Wontumi maintains his innocence and will seek to clear his name in court. “The court will determine the facts, not public speculation,” he added.

It will be recalled that on April 21, 2025, the Mahama administration revoked Akonta Mining’s license following allegations that the company was operating illegally within the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region. Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has since stated that progress on the matter was delayed because certain case files were concealed under the previous Akufo-Addo–Bawumia administration.

The case is expected to attract significant public interest given Chairman Wontumi’s political influence and the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal mining.