At exactly 2:26 p.m. the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Edward Akuoku, a director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, mounted the accused box at the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court to answer charges of illegal mining and related environmental offences.
It was the second time the Attorney-General had brought Chairman Wontumi before a differently constituted High Court, over allegations of illegal mining in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
During the proceedings, Mr. Boasiako, visibly uneasy, began mumbling while his plea was being taken.
Addressing the court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, saying in Twi: “My lady, mepatsɛw, mendifo,” meaning “My lady, I’m not guilty.”
Similarly, Akuoku, 48, also pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.
Bail Granted
Defence counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, who represented both accused persons, applied for bail, a request that was not opposed by the prosecution, led by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai.
However, the prosecution requested that the bail be granted under stringent conditions.
Justice Aryeetey subsequently admitted both accused persons to bail in the sum of GH¢10 million each, with two sureties, one to be justified.
The court also directed that they deposit their travel documents with the court’s registry within a week, since their passports are currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The court further ordered that permission must be sought before either accused travels outside the jurisdiction.
The case was adjourned to November 4, 2025, for the prosecution to file and serve its disclosures on the defence.
Charges
According to the charge sheet, the accused persons face seven counts, including:
- Undertaking a mining operation without a licence — contrary to Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 (2019).
- Felling trees in a forest reserve without written authority, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Forest Protection Act, 1974 (NRCD 243).
- Erecting buildings in a forest reserve without written authority, contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the same Act.
- Abetment of the above offences, contrary to Section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The Deputy Attorney General alleges that in 2022, Akonta Mining Company, owned and directed by Chairman Wontumi, conducted illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve, despite being denied a mining permit.
Investigations revealed that the company erected security checkpoints and buildings, and deployed more than 40 excavators within the forest, causing severe environmental destruction, including the felling of over 300 trees and pollution of the Tano River.
It was also reported that when officers from the Forestry Commission attempted to confiscate mining equipment, they were confronted by armed personnel allegedly belonging to Akonta Mining, led by Akuoku and another suspect currently at large.
Three of the accused, including Chairman Wontumi, were later apprehended after several security operations, following petitions from individuals and environmental organisations calling for investigations into Akonta Mining’s activities.
The case continues on November 4, 2025.
