Chairman Wontumi Promised Me GH¢20,000 Salary and a Toyota Land Cruiser V8, But I Only Received GH¢4,000 for Fuel – Akonta Mining GM Reveals

The former General Manager of Akonta Mining Limited, Mr. Edward Akuoko, has made startling revelations about his working conditions under the company’s owner, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

According to Mr. Akuoko, despite being promised a monthly salary of GH¢20,000 and a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 as part of his employment package, he only received GH¢4,000 per month for fuel throughout his tenure.

Speaking to investigators as part of the ongoing Tano Nimire Forest Reserve galamsey trial, Mr. Akuoko disclosed that the terms agreed upon with Chairman Wontumi were never honoured.

“I was told I would be paid GH¢20,000 every month and provided with a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 for official use. But since I assumed the role, I only received GH¢4,000 monthly as fuel support — nothing more,” he reportedly said.

The revelation comes amid heightened public scrutiny over Akonta Mining’s operations, which have been linked to illegal mining activities within protected forest reserves.

Mr. Akuoko, who is now cooperating with the state as a key witness in the case against Chairman Wontumi, is expected to provide critical details about the company’s internal operations and financial dealings.

Sources close to the investigation indicate that his testimony will play a significant role in establishing the extent of Akonta Mining’s alleged involvement in unlawful mining within the Tano Nimire Forest.

Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is currently facing trial over allegations of illegal mining and environmental violations tied to the operations of Akonta Mining Limited.

The case continues to draw national attention as it involves one of Ghana’s most politically influential figures and raises broader questions about accountability, corruption, and the enforcement of mining regulations.