Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited, has been arraigned before the High Court in Accra for allegedly permitting two individuals to undertake illegal mining activities — commonly known as galamsey — on his company’s concession without ministerial approval.
Chairman Wontumi faces three counts of assigning mineral rights without approval and three counts of facilitating unlicensed mining operations.
His plea is expected to be taken this morning before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay at the Criminal Division of the High Court. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Earlier, on Monday, October 6, 2025, Wontumi reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra following an invitation from the Attorney-General’s Office. He was formally charged and granted bail of GH¢1 million with two sureties, which he is reported to have satisfied.
According to the brief facts filed by Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine, Wontumi, 49, is one of two shareholders and directors of Akonta Mining Company Limited, incorporated on November 5, 2010, with “mining and exploration” as its principal business. Although the company’s registered office is located in Tarkwa, its operations are primarily based in Samreboi, in the Western Region.
The second accused, Kwame Antwi, is currently at large. Wontumi reportedly told investigators that he has neither seen nor heard from him since the company’s registration in 2010.
However, investigations revealed that Wontumi has exercised full control over the company’s activities since its establishment.
In July 2025, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) arrested and detained Chairman Wontumi over alleged criminal offences linked to a car-stealing syndicate.
The latest CID invitation, however, relates specifically to Akonta Mining and the company’s alleged involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) operations.
Chairman Wontumi has denied all allegations, maintaining that Akonta Mining has not engaged in any unlawful activity and insisting on his innocence.
