Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, appeared before the Accra High Court (Criminal Division) on Tuesday, October 7, to face six charges relating to illegal mining activities. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against them.
The charges allege breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995). Specifically, Wontumi is accused of allowing unlicensed mining within his company’s concession and assigning mineral rights without the required approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. A second accused, Kwame Antwi, is currently at large, while Akonta Mining Company Limited faces corporate liability for permitting unauthorised mining.
Following the proceedings, the court granted Wontumi bail in the sum of GH₵15 million. Bail conditions include providing three sureties, surrendering his passport(s), and being placed on a stop list to prevent travel outside Ghana.
