State prosecutors have announced that they will call four witnesses in the ongoing trial of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who is facing illegal mining-related charges alongside his company, Akonta Mining Limited, and another accused person, Kwame Antwi.
The case, which has drawn national attention due to Chairman Wontumi’s political profile and his company’s alleged involvement in unlicensed mining activities, was heard before the Accra High Court on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Prosecution Files Witness Statements
Led by Chief State Attorney Mullin Ansah, the prosecution informed the court that it had filed five witness statements, including one additional statement recently added. However, the defense team, led by Andy Appiah Kubi, told the court they had only received four statements and two new disclosures.
Following the clarification, the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, directed the prosecution to serve the defense lawyers with all four witness statements to ensure procedural fairness before the next sitting.
Charges Against Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining
Chairman Wontumi, together with Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Company Limited, has been charged with:
- Unauthorized assignment of mineral rights, and
- Facilitating unlicensed mining operations at Samreboi in the Western Region.
All accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are currently on bail.
The case stems from alleged illegal mining operations linked to Akonta Mining, which authorities claim took place without valid authorization from the Minerals Commission. The issue attracted national controversy in previous years, with widespread calls for stricter enforcement of Ghana’s mining laws.
Court Adjourns Case to November 27
After hearing both sides, Justice Kocuvie-Tay adjourned the case to November 27, 2025, to allow the defense to review all relevant documents and prepare for trial.
The prosecution’s four witnesses are expected to provide crucial testimony regarding the company’s alleged illegal activities and the defendants’ roles in the operation.
Background of the Case
Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has been under public scrutiny for alleged involvement in illegal mining (galamsey) operations. Despite denials from the company and its executives, reports from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in 2022 alleged that the firm engaged in mining activities without authorization in parts of Ghana’s forest reserves.
The current criminal proceedings mark one of the most high-profile illegal mining prosecutions in recent years, underscoring the government’s renewed efforts to clamp down on galamsey and promote sustainable, regulated mining practices.
Key Details at a Glance
- Accused: Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), Kwame Antwi, Akonta Mining Co.
- Charges: Unauthorized assignment of mineral rights; facilitating unlicensed mining.
- Prosecution Witnesses: 4
- Lead Prosecutor: Chief State Attorney Mullin Ansah
- Defence Counsel: Andy Appiah Kubi
- Presiding Judge: Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay
- Next Court Date: November 27, 2025
- Location of Alleged Offence: Samreboi, Western Region
