The High Court in Accra has granted bail to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Edward Akuoko, Operations Manager of Akonta Mining Company Limited, in connection with alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, the court set bail at GH¢10 million each with two sureties, one of whom must justify with proof of landed property.
The court further ordered the accused to deposit their passports with the Registrar and report to investigators every two weeks until further notice.
Both Wontumi and Akuoko pleaded not guilty to all charges when they appeared before the court for the first time.
They are among five accused persons and entities facing trial, including Akonta Mining Limited, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah (Operations Manager), and Kwame Antwi (Co-director), both of whom are currently at large.
The charges relate to alleged illegal mining operations and unauthorised activities within the protected Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in 2022.
Charges Overview
1. Akonta Mining Company Limited (1st Accused)
• Represented by Chairman Wontumi, the company pleaded not guilty to all counts, including:
• Undertaking mining without a licence – allegedly operating in the forest without approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
• Felling trees without authorisation – accused of cutting down over 300 trees and numerous saplings without Forestry Commission permission.
• Erecting buildings in a forest reserve – alleged to have constructed makeshift structures and checkpoints without authorisation.
2. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (2nd Accused)
The NPP regional chairman faces similar charges, including:
• Engaging in unlicensed mining operations as co-owner/director of Akonta Mining.
• Abetting unauthorised felling of trees in the forest reserve.
• Aiding the erection of illegal structures within the reserve.
3. Kwame Antwi (3rd Accused – At Large)
• A co-director of Akonta Mining, charged jointly with Wontumi for illegal mining, felling trees without approval, and constructing unauthorised structures. Investigators say efforts are underway to trace his whereabouts.
4. Edward Akuoko (4th Accused)
• As the company’s General Manager, Akuoko is charged with supervising illegal mining and aiding unauthorised construction and tree felling in the reserve.
5. Kwadwo Owusu Bempah (5th Accused – At Large)
• The company’s Operations Manager faces similar charges of unlicensed mining, abetting tree felling, and aiding illegal construction.
The case, which has drawn national attention due to Wontumi’s political prominence, has been adjourned as investigations continue.
