Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining face High Court today

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, are expected to appear before the High Court in Accra today.

The appearance follows charges relating to alleged illegal mining activities.

Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining are facing three counts connected to mining-related offences. The charges, according to prosecutors, involve operating a mining concession without the required license and other violations under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act.

The NPP stalwart had earlier reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Monday, October 6, 2025, where he was granted bail. He was released on a GH¢1 million bail with two sureties after several hours of questioning.

Speaking to journalists after the CID engagement, his lawyer and Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that the case stems from alleged breaches of mining regulations. “The charges are related to mining. Wontumi has been charged with mining without a license and other related offences,” he disclosed.

He added that his client remained calm and cooperative throughout the process, expressing confidence that the upcoming court hearing would be handled fairly. “Chairman has been well composed and is expecting that tomorrow when we go to court, all of us will help the court in taking a decision that is judicious,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi stated.

The case has generated national attention due to Wontumi’s political stature and the company’s name, Akonta Mining, which has previously been linked to controversies surrounding mining activities in forest reserves. The Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources have both stressed that the law will take its full course, regardless of political affiliations.

Meanwhile, sources within the NPP say party leadership is closely monitoring developments but has yet to issue an official comment.

The hearing is expected to determine whether the court will proceed to trial or grant further directions on the matter. If found guilty, the charges could have legal and political consequences for both Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining operations across the country.