Chairman Wontumi, Two Others Charged Over Illegal Mining Linked to Akonta Mining Limited
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been officially charged alongside two others for their alleged involvement in illegal mining operations conducted by Akonta Mining Limited.
The accused face six counts, including assigning a mining concession without ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining activities.
Also charged are Kwame Antwi, said to be a co-owner and director of Akonta Mining (currently at large), and the company itself — Akonta Mining Limited.
Background of the Case
The charges stem from alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region, where Akonta Mining reportedly operated without the necessary authorization.
According to the charge sheet, a state security operation on April 26, 2025, led to the arrest of Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 others found engaging in mining on the company’s concession.
Interrogations and Findings
During questioning, Mr. Gyedu claimed he was instructed by Henry Okum to supervise the mining activities. Okum allegedly asserted control over the concession and admitted that while some portions were being reclaimed, active mining continued on unmined areas.
Investigators say Okum confessed to seeking and obtaining permission from Chairman Wontumi to undertake the operations — believing the land belonged to him.
The prosecution alleges that Chairman Wontumi granted permission without obtaining the required written approval from the Minister responsible for mining, as stipulated by law.
Items Retrieved from the Site
Authorities seized several items from the Samreboi concession during the raid, including:
- 8 pump-action guns
- 1 single-barreled gun
- 5 metal pieces suspected to be gold
- 4 machetes
- Several water pumping machines
- 310 AAA/BB cartridges
- 1 grease gun
- 4 motorcycles
- 2 vehicles
- GH¢157,000 in cash
- 25 serviceable excavators
- 4 non-serviceable excavators
The prosecution has indicated that, upon conclusion of the trial, it will seek a court order for the forfeiture of all valuable items seized from the site.
The trial is expected to draw significant public and political attention, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the ongoing national campaign against illegal mining.
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
