Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has once again found himself before the Accra High Court, this time pleading not guilty to seven criminal charges tied to alleged illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve at Samreboi in the Western Region.
His court appearance on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, came only hours after he was granted GH₵15 million bail in a separate case involving similar mining-related offences.
Wontumi, along with executives of Akonta Mining Company Limited and other associates, faces accusations of conducting unauthorised mining and causing extensive environmental damage in a protected forest reserve. Prosecutors claim their actions led to the destruction of about 13 hectares of land.
After submissions from both legal teams, the High Court reportedly granted Wontumi bail of GH₵10 million with two sureties, one required to justify with landed property.
The seven charges, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General, span the Minerals and Mining Act, the Forest Protection Act, and the Criminal Offences Act. They allege that the accused persons mined without permits, felled trees, and erected structures in the forest reserve without written approval.
Details of the Charges
Count One: Akonta Mining Company Limited allegedly operated a mining concession in Samreboi in 2022 without a valid licence from the Minister, contrary to Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.
Count Two: Wontumi and one Kwame Antwi, currently at large, are accused of engaging in illegal mining as owners and directors of Akonta Mining Company Limited within the forest reserve.
Count Three: The company’s General Manager, Edward Akuoku, and Operations Manager, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah (also at large), face the same accusation for unlawful operations.
Count Four: Akonta Mining Company Limited allegedly felled over 300 merchantable trees and numerous saplings in the forest without written permission, violating the Forest Protection Act.
Count Five: Wontumi and three others are charged with abetting the illegal felling of trees, contrary to the Criminal Offences Act.
Count Six: The company is accused of constructing buildings and other structures inside the forest without written authority.
Count Seven: Wontumi and his associates are alleged to have facilitated the unauthorised construction of structures within the forest reserve.
The Attorney-General’s office contends that the acts reflect blatant disregard for environmental protection laws.
Wontumi, who was earlier granted GH₵1 million bail with two sureties, has reportedly met all bail conditions and remains free pending the continuation of his trial.
