The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that charges against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining, have been finalised and signed.
Dr. Ayine revealed that Mr. Boasiako has been instructed to report to Accra on Monday, October 6, 2025, for the charges to be formally read to him, warning that failure to appear would lead to his arrest.
Speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with civil society organisations on illegal mining in Accra on Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine said:
“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.”
This development comes amid ongoing investigations into the activities of Akonta Mining. The CID Director General, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, confirmed that the probe is still underway, noting that another individual linked to the company has already been arrested.
She explained that Chairman Wontumi had met with investigators several times but had recently delayed further appearances, citing ill health, an explanation supported by his lawyer.
“The investigations are actively ongoing, and the public will be informed of the final outcome,” DCOP Donkor assured.
The CID has also arrested and taken statements from Akuoko, a business associate of Mr. Boasiako, in connection with the case.
Chairman Wontumi was first invited by the CID on May 26, 2025, accompanied by his legal counsel, former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and former Asante-Akim North MP Andy Appiah Kubi.
Wontumi has repeatedly denied any involvement in illegal mining. Speaking on his own channel, Wontumi TV, he said:
“I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey. I have a large-scale company, which Akonta Mining is under… All the required documents I have, I will make all available.”
He further expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with authorities:
“I am appealing to them to use the law. They should do their investigations, and we should let the law work.”
