The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is expected to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra today, Monday, October 6, 2025, for his charges to be officially read to him.

This follows his alleged involvement in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) activities linked to his company, Akonta Mining Limited.

Attorney-General Orders Chairman Wontumi to Report or Face Arrest

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, made the announcement during President John Dramani Mahama’s stakeholder engagement with Civil Society Organisations on galamsey held in Accra on Friday, October 3, 2025.

Dr. Ayine confirmed that formal charges had been prepared and signed against Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited. He warned that failure to report to the CID headquarters by the stated date would lead to immediate arrest.

“The charges against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have been signed. He should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come by Monday, I will order his arrest, and his charges will be read to him,” Dr. Ayine said.

CID Confirms Ongoing Investigations into Akonta Mining

Earlier this year, the Director-General of the CID, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, revealed that investigations into Akonta Mining’s operations were still ongoing. She disclosed that one other individual connected to the case had already been arrested.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on June 30, 2025, she said:

“That case is actively ongoing. Chairman Wontumi has visited us a couple of times; he was supposed to come again but sent a medical report indicating illness. We have since communicated with his team, and he is expected to appear before us this week.”

DCOP Donkor added that several other individuals were being treated as persons of interest in the case.

“We are taking statements from all relevant parties, and when investigations are concluded, the public will be informed of the final action,” she assured.

Background: Akonta Mining and Galamsey Allegations

Akonta Mining Limited, a company reportedly owned by Chairman Wontumi, has been at the center of controversy over alleged illegal mining activities in forest reserves in the Western Region.

In 2022, the Forestry Commission was directed to suspend the operations of Akonta Mining after concerns were raised about its activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The company has since denied all wrongdoing, maintaining that it operates with legitimate large-scale mining permits.

Chairman Wontumi, speaking on his television network, Wontumi TV, stated that he welcomes due process and remains confident of being cleared of all allegations.

“I am appealing to the authorities to let the law work. They should do their investigations. I am not into galamsey,” he emphasized.
“I own a large-scale mining company, and all my documents are legitimate. I will make them available to the authorities.”

Legal Representation and Earlier Appearances

Chairman Wontumi first appeared before the CID on May 26, 2025, as part of the ongoing investigations. He was accompanied by his legal team, including former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame and former Asante-Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi.

Meanwhile, legal experts say the charges could include illegal mining, fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, depending on the outcome of the investigations.