The Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has confirmed that charges against Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, and his Akonta Mining firm have been finished and signed.
He stated that Mr Boasiako has been told to report to Accra on Monday, October 6, 2025, for his charges to be read, and that failing to comply will result in his detention.
Speaking during President John Dramani Mahama’s meeting with civil society organizations on illegal mining in Accra on Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine stated, “The charges against Wontumi, 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.”
The development follows ongoing inquiries into Akonta Mining’s practices. DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), previously confirmed that investigations were underway and stated that one additional person associated with the company had been arrested.
She explained that Chairman Wontumi had engaged with investigators on several occasions but had recently delayed further appearances due to illness, a claim supported by his lawyer. DCOP Donkor stressed that “the investigations are actively ongoing” and assured the public that the final outcome would be communicated.
In connection with the case, the CID also detained and questioned Akuoko, a business colleague of Mr. Boasiako.
On May 26, 2025, Chairman Wontumi was initially invited by the CID. He was accompanied by former Asante-Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi and his legal representative, former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
His denial of any involvement in illicit mining has been constant. Speaking on Wontumi TV, his television station, he stated: “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 indicated his willingness to cooperate fully with investigators, adding:
“I am appealing to them to use the law. They should do their investigations, and we should let the law work.”
