President John Dramani Mahama has stated that he will only declare a state of emergency to combat illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) if advised by the National Security Council.
Speaking at a civil society engagement in Accra on Friday, October 3, the President explained that the Council is confident the fight against galamsey can be won without such drastic measures.
“The President acts on the advice of the National Security Council. The day they advise me otherwise, I will not hesitate to declare a state of emergency,” Mahama said.
As part of efforts to tighten regulation, the President announced plans to register and license all excavators to make them traceable. He also cautioned shipping companies against importing the heavy equipment without authorization.
“We shall penalize you for bringing excavators into Ghana without a permit. Every excavator must be registered, and the owner identified,” he warned.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, said government has made significant progress in addressing illegal mining. He commended the President’s leadership, noting that political will is key to sustaining the fight.
Meanwhile, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, disclosed that charges against Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), and his firm, Akonta Mining, have been finalized.
He directed Mr. Boasiako to report in Accra on Monday, October 6, for the charges to be formally read, warning that failure to do so would lead to his arrest.
“The charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have been signed. If he doesn’t come by Monday, I will order his arrest,” Dr. Ayine said.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has confirmed that investigations into Akonta Mining’s activities remain active. CID boss, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that another associate of Mr. Boasiako, identified as Akuoko, has already been arrested and questioned.
Chairman Wontumi was first invited by the CID in May 2025, appearing with a legal team that included former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame and former Asante-Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi.
The NPP regional chairman has repeatedly denied any involvement in illegal mining, insisting that Akonta Mining is a licensed large-scale operation.
“I am not into galamsey. I have a large-scale company, and all the required documents will be made available,” he said on his television station, Wontumi TV.
He stressed his willingness to cooperate fully with investigators, urging authorities to “let the law work.”
