Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been formally charged alongside his company, Akonta Mining Limited, and three others over alleged illegal mining, or galamsey, activities in the protected Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The NPP Chairman, who is a director of the company, appeared before the High Court in Accra with Akonta Mining’s General Manager, Edward Akuoko, where they both pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following their plea, the two accused persons were granted bail by the High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey. Each was granted bail in the sum of GHC10 million with two sureties, one of whom must justify with proof of landed property. The court further directed Chairman Wontumi and Mr. Akuoko to deposit their travel documents with the Registrar and report to the investigator once every other week until further notice.
The charges against the accused include undertaking mining operations without a licence, felling trees in a forest reserve without authorisation, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees, and erecting buildings in a forest reserve without approval. According to the prosecution, Akonta Mining allegedly began full-scale operations within the reserve despite having an application to mine there rejected in August 2022. Prosecutors claim that investigators found over 40 excavators operating in the protected area, leading to severe environmental damage across approximately 13 hectares and pollution of the Tano River.
The charge sheet also details a concerning confrontation that occurred on August 17, 2022, when a joint enforcement team attempting to exit the site was reportedly blocked by an armed group allegedly led by Mr. Akuoko and Operations Manager Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, who forced the team to surrender seized equipment. The company’s Operations Manager, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, and a co-director, Kwame Antwi, are among the five accused persons and entities but are currently said to be at large. Chairman Wontumi entered his plea on his own behalf and on behalf of Akonta Mining Limited.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
