Legal Proceedings and Environmental Impact of Illegal Mining
The ongoing legal battle involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has brought attention to the serious environmental and legal consequences of illegal mining in Ghana. Wontumi, who once referred to himself as the “Governor of Kumasi,” is currently in custody despite being granted bail by the High Court in Accra. He faces multiple charges related to illegal mining activities, including facilitating unlicensed operations and granting mineral rights without ministerial approval.
Environmental Damage and Legal Charges
The case centers around Akonta Mining Company Limited, which is accused of conducting extensive illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve in the Western Region. The charges allege that the company destroyed approximately 13 hectares of forest reserve, severely polluting the Tano River ecosystem. The use of up to 40 excavators at one point highlights the scale of the operation, which continued even after the company’s permit application was officially rejected.
Wontumi and his company have pleaded not guilty to all charges related to these activities. The Office of the Attorney-General has filed a new set of criminal charges against Akonta Mining and its owner, marking a significant escalation in the state’s efforts to combat illegal mining, or galamsey, and hold high-profile individuals accountable.
Bail Conditions and Legal Team Response
Wontumi was granted bail in two separate rulings. In the first, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay set a bail amount of GH₵15 million with three sureties, two of whom had to provide landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. In the second ruling, Justice Ruby Aryeetey granted bail to Wontumi and another accused, Edward Akuoko, in the amount of GH₵10 million each, with two sureties, one of whom had to provide property as security.
Enoch Afoakwa, a member of Wontumi’s legal team, confirmed that the bail had not yet been executed. He explained that the judicial service workers close at 4 pm, so the process would continue the next day. Afoakwa also mentioned that the legal team would return to the court on Wednesday to finalize the paperwork and ensure their client’s release.
Key Charges Against Wontumi
The charges against Wontumi include:
- Assignment of mineral rights without approval: Wontumi is alleged to have permitted two individuals to undertake mining operations within Akonta Mining’s concession without obtaining prior written approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
- Assignment of mineral rights without approval: This count targets Kwame Antwi, a director of Akonta Mining, for similar unauthorized activities.
- Corporate liability for unauthorized assignment: Akonta Mining Company Limited is charged with permitting unauthorized mining activities on its concession without ministerial approval.
- Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining: Wontumi is accused of enabling mining operations by individuals without the required licenses.
- Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining: This count again targets Kwame Antwi for facilitating unlicensed mining activities.
- Corporate facilitation of unlicensed mining: The final count is directed at Akonta Mining for enabling unlicensed mining on its concession.
These charges are based on Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, which restrict the assignment of mineral rights without approval and criminalize the facilitation of unlicensed mining.
Police and CID Involvement
On Monday, October 6, the Police granted Wontumi GH¢1 million bail with two sureties following his appearance at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over his alleged involvement in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, had previously warned Wontumi to report to the CID, stating that if he did not appear by Monday, he would be arrested.
During a press conference in Accra on Monday, June 30, the Director-General of the CID, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, announced that investigations into Akonta Mining were ongoing. She mentioned that another person had also been arrested in connection with the matter and that the investigations were actively continuing.
Wontumi’s Response and Public Statements
Wontumi first appeared before the CID on Monday, May 26, 2025, accompanied by his legal counsel, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Andy Appiah-Kubi. He denied reports of his involvement in illegal mining and expressed willingness to allow due process. Wontumi emphasized that he was not involved in galamsey and stated that he would make all required documents available.
He also addressed speculation about his involvement in illegal mining, asserting, “I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey.” Wontumi reiterated that he has a large-scale company, which includes Akonta Mining, and that all necessary documents are available.
