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Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been arraigned once more on fresh criminal charges linked to alleged illegal mining operations undertaken by Akonta Mining Limited, a company he co-owns.
Wontumi appeared before the court alongside Akonta Mining Limited, its General Manager Edward Akuoko, and faces charges with Operations Manager Kwadwo Owusu Bempah and co-director Kwame Antwi, both of whom are currently at large.
Alleged Offences in Protected Forest Reserve
The latest charges relate to unauthorised mining activities allegedly carried out by Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, a protected ecological zone in Ghana’s Western North Region.
According to prosecutors, Akonta Mining commenced full-scale mining operations in the forest despite a formal rejection of their application for mining rights in the area in August 2022. The company had only secured leases in Samreboi and Abekoase, areas outside the forest reserve.
Despite this, the company allegedly:
- Transported excavators and equipment branded with its logo into the reserve,
- Began active mining operations,
- Felled trees without authorisation,
- Erected illegal buildings, including checkpoints and temporary housing for workers.
Environmental inspectors estimate that over 13 hectares of protected forest land were severely degraded, and parts of the Tano River were polluted as a result of the operations. Over 40 excavators were reportedly involved.
Charges Filed
The accused face the following criminal charges:
- Undertaking mining operations without a licence
- Felling trees in a forest reserve without authorisation
- Abetting the unauthorised felling of trees
- Erecting buildings in a forest reserve without approval
The case is being prosecuted under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act and relevant environmental protection laws.
Armed Confrontation and Seizure of Equipment
Prosecutors also detailed a troubling incident on August 17, 2022, when a joint task force comprising officials from the Forestry Commission, Samartex Timber and Plywood Company, and media representatives attempted to inspect and halt the illegal operations.
The team was initially able to seize equipment and detain some workers. However, while exiting the area, they were reportedly blocked by an armed group allegedly led by Edward Akuoko and Kwadwo Owusu Bempah. The task force was forced to return the seized equipment before being allowed to leave safely.
Investigations and Arrests
The investigation, led by the Ghana Police Service, was initiated following multiple petitions and complaints from stakeholders concerned about the company’s operations in the forest reserve.
Despite multiple attempts to apprehend the accused, law enforcement only succeeded after a tense standoff in Kumasi, which led to the arrests of Chairman Wontumi and Edward Akuoko.
Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who is leading the prosecution, confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects, particularly Bempah and Antwi, who are still at large.
Next Steps
Chairman Wontumi remains on GH₵15 million bail from a previous case and continues to be on a stop list at all Ghanaian ports of entry and exit. The current charges are expected to be merged or tried concurrently depending on the direction of the Attorney-General’s office.
