Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is currently at the center of several high-profile court cases involving alleged illegal mining activities. The politician and businessman, whose real name is Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has been granted multiple bails, the latest being GHC10 million, as investigations into his company, Akonta Mining Limited, continue.
The case against Chairman Wontumi involves allegations of mining without a licence, destroying forest reserves, and building unauthorized structures in protected areas. He has, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that his mining company operates within the law and holds valid licences.
According to court reports, Chairman Wontumi and four others were charged with seven counts of illegal mining-related offenses. These include mining without a licence, abetting the felling of trees, and aiding the construction of buildings in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western Region. The company allegedly operated without permission from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and is accused of causing damage to over 13 hectares of forest land.
The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, granted Wontumi and his general manager, Edward Akuoko, a GHC10 million bail with two sureties, one of which must be justified with landed property. He has also been ordered to deposit his passport within a week and report to the police every other week until the case concludes. The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the prosecution to present full disclosures and documents.
Before this, Chairman Wontumi had been granted two other bails: a GHC15 million bail and a GHC1 million bail in separate but related cases involving the same mining operations. In those cases, he was accused of assigning mineral rights without approval and facilitating unlicensed mining. Despite the multiple arrests and bails, he continues to maintain his innocence.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has described the strict bail conditions as excessive, arguing that many accused persons face unnecessary challenges meeting bail requirements due to valuation issues. He called for national discussions on fair bail processes to ensure that justice is accessible to all.
The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General, insists that the charges are based on solid evidence gathered during months of investigation. Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has stated that the government will pursue all individuals involved in illegal mining, regardless of their political positions or social status. He also emphasized that environmental destruction caused by illegal mining must be stopped to protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
This case has sparked renewed public interest in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Civil society groups have urged the government to apply the law equally and avoid selective justice. They argue that the outcome of this case will send a strong signal about Ghana’s commitment to environmental protection.
In his public comments, Wontumi has expressed confidence that he will be vindicated, saying his company follows due process and that the accusations are politically motivated. He praised the professionalism of the police and the Attorney-General’s office but maintained that the truth will be revealed during the trial.
As the trial continues, many Ghanaians are watching closely to see how the courts will rule in this major case involving Chairman Wontumi. The verdict could shape public trust in the justice system and define the government’s resolve to curb illegal mining in the country.
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