Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, have pleaded not guilty to charges of engaging in illegal mining activities in the Western Region.
The plea was entered on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, before Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay at the High Court in Accra. Wontumi, who appeared in person, entered the pleas for both himself and the company, which is listed as the third accused.
According to the charge sheet, Wontumi faces two counts — assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations — contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
The prosecution alleges that Akonta Mining Company Limited, acting through Wontumi, unlawfully permitted two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to conduct mining activities within the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without written authorisation from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Both Wontumi and the company denied the charges, insisting they had complied with all legal requirements governing their operations.
The case underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to enforce mining regulations and clamp down on unlicensed operations as part of its broader campaign against illegal mining (galamsey).
The court has adjourned proceedings to a later date for case management and further hearing.
