The Attorney-General’s Office has filed six criminal charges against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for alleged breaches of Ghana’s mining laws.
The charges, filed at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra on October 6, 2025, also implicate Kwame Antwi currently at large and Akonta Mining Company Limited, which is owned by Wontumi.
The case stems from unauthorized mining activities allegedly carried out in Samreboi, Western Region.
Prosecutors cite violations of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 in 2019.
– Count 1: Wontumi is accused of permitting two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to mine within Akonta Mining’s concession without written approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
– Count 2: Kwame Antwi, as a director of Akonta Mining, allegedly allowed similar unauthorized mining operations.
– Count 3: Akonta Mining Company Limited is charged with enabling mining activities without ministerial consent.
– Count 4: Wontumi is further accused of facilitating operations by unlicensed miners.
– Count 5: Kwame Antwi faces a similar charge for aiding unlicensed mining.
– Count 6: Akonta Mining is again cited for corporate responsibility in enabling illegal mining.
The charges invoke Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, which prohibit mining without proper licensing and ministerial approval.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine is leading the prosecution, signalling a renewed government effort to clamp down on illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has caused widespread environmental damage across the country.
