Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi”, is expected to appear before the High Court in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to face charges relating to illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.
The charges include mining without a licence and other related offences connected to his company, Akonta Mining Limited.
Wontumi, who is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra on Monday following an invitation from the Attorney-General’s Office.
He was formally handed his charges and granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million with two sureties, which he is reported to have satisfied.
Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, had earlier hinted that Wontumi would be required to appear before the CID on Monday to be processed for court, warning that failure to do so would result in his arrest.
He said the docket on the case had been finalised and charges approved for prosecution.
At a meeting held in Accra last week between President John Dramani Mahama and members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), where discussions centred on measures to curb illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey”, President Mahama called for the prosecution of kingpins of the illegal act to make the activity unattractive.
Dr Ayine, answering a question at the meeting, disclosed that apart from Wontumi, investigations were also ongoing into the activities of other prominent figures, including Joseph Yamin, a leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region, and Yakubu Abanga, over alleged involvement in illegal mining operations.
President Mahama, in his remarks at the engagement, called for renewed focus on dismantling the networks behind galamsey operations.
He said enforcement efforts should not only target “small boys” at the mining sites, but also the financiers and influential people who fuel the menace.
According to him, arresting only the small-scale operators would not end the problem if the larger syndicates remained active.
Illegal mining is one of Ghana’s most persistent environmental and economic challenges.
The practice, which derives its name from the phrase “gather them and sell,” has expanded beyond traditional artisanal mining into a widespread commercial activity that has destroyed farmlands, polluted rivers, and degraded prized forests.
It is estimated to cost the country billions of cedis annually in lost revenue and environmental damage.
Successive governments have launched various anti-galamsey initiatives, but enforcement has often been hindered by political interference, weak regulation, and inadequate resourcing.
The prosecution of high-profile figures such as Wontumi will test the government’s resolve to ensure that the fight against illegal mining targets not only the small-scale operators but also influential individuals believed to be behind the operations.
Wontumi, on his part, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Akonta Mining Limited operated as a licensed large-scale mining company and that he was prepared to present all relevant documentation to prove its legality.
His court appearance tomorrow is expected to draw significant public attention as the government intensifies efforts to clamp down on illegal mining across the country.
