Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Plead Not Guilty to Illegal Mining Charges

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, along with his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, have pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged illegal mining in the Western Region.

The pleas were entered on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, before Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay at the High Court in Accra. Wontumi, who is the first accused and owner of Akonta Mining, entered the plea on behalf of himself and the company, which is listed as the third accused.

Court documents indicate that Wontumi faces charges for assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and for facilitating unlicensed mining operations, both offences falling under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

Representing Akonta Mining in court, Wontumi also pleaded not guilty on behalf of the company to similar allegations, including unauthorised assignment of mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining. The alleged offences reportedly took place in 2024 at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The prosecution maintains that both Wontumi and his company allowed two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to conduct mining operations within Akonta Mining’s concession without obtaining the required written approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.

This high-profile case underscores ongoing efforts by Ghanaian authorities to enforce compliance with mining regulations and address illegal mining practices that threaten the country’s natural resources and environment.

The court will continue proceedings as the state and the defence prepare their respective cases.

Source: GhNewsLine