Chairman Wontumi’s Galamsey Trial Commences Over Alleged Illegal Mining Operations

The much-anticipated trial of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, officially begins today, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Accra High Court.

This follows his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Monday, October 6, where he complied with an invitation by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to respond to allegations connected to illegal mining activities.

Chairman Wontumi is facing charges of engaging in mining without a licence and other offences under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act. The charges are linked to Akonta Mining Limited, a company alleged to be owned by him, which has long been at the centre of controversy over its operations in parts of the Ashanti and Western North Regions.

According to court documents, the prosecution contends that Akonta Mining engaged in mining activities within forest reserves without proper authorisation — an act that violates Ghana’s mining laws and environmental regulations. The prosecution is expected to present documentary evidence, field reports, and testimonies from officials of the Forestry Commission and the Minerals Commission to support its case.

Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer, Hon. Andy Appiah-Kubi, who confirmed the charges, said his client has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million with sureties. He noted that the defence team is fully prepared to contest the allegations in court, insisting that Wontumi has always operated within the confines of the law.

“As you have seen, we will go to court, and that is where the decision will be taken. We are not to maintain innocence, but we are allowed to proceed and then present our defence,” Appiah-Kubi said, stressing that his client remains confident in the judicial process.

The Attorney General’s Office has indicated that the case forms part of its renewed efforts to clamp down on politically connected individuals involved in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. This move follows growing public pressure on government officials to demonstrate greater accountability in the fight against environmental degradation and illegal mining.

Public interest in the case remains high due to Chairman Wontumi’s political stature and his previous statements defending his company’s operations. Environmental groups and anti-galamsey advocates have welcomed the prosecution, calling it a “test of Ghana’s commitment to environmental justice and equality before the law.”

Security has been heightened at the courthouse, with police officers deployed to manage crowds and maintain order as proceedings begin. The case is expected to attract significant national attention as it unfolds in the coming weeks.