The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), has been directed to report to Accra on Monday, October 6, 2026, for charges to be read to him in connection with the alleged involvement of his company, Akonta Mining, in illegal small-scale mining (“galamsey”).
The Attorney-General, speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with Civil Society Organizations on galamsey in Accra on Friday, October 3, 2025, said the charges had already been signed. “He should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come by Monday, I will order his arrest, and his charges will be read to him,” Dr Ayine stated.
This follows ongoing investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) into Akonta Mining’s operations, announced earlier by CID Director-General DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor. She noted that another individual has already been arrested in relation to the matter.
Chairman Wontumi first appeared before the CID on May 26, 2025, accompanied by his legal counsel, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and former MP Andy Appiah-Kubi. He denied involvement in illegal mining, asserting his willingness to allow due process after the Forestry Commission was directed to halt Akonta Mining Limited’s activities.
