An Accra court has granted bail in the sum of GH¢10 million to Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, the Operations Manager of Akonta Mining, with three sureties, one of whom must be justified.
Owusu Bempah is the fifth accused person standing trial in a case involving Akonta Mining, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—Kwame Antwi, and Edward Akuoko, over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
He had earlier been declared at large but was later arrested. However, his lawyer, Andrew Vortia, told journalists that his client voluntarily presented himself to the police about three weeks ago, after which he was granted police enquiry bail.
Owusu Bempah was re-arrested on Monday, January 12, 2026, after failing to report to the police as required under the terms of his bail.
At his appearance before the court on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Owusu Bempah pleaded not guilty to charges of undertaking mining operations without a licence, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees, and abetting the unauthorised erection of structures within the forest reserve.
The prosecution told the court that although Chairman Wontumi holds valid mining leases at Samreboi and Abekoase in the Western Region—both outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve—an application to mine within the reserve was rejected.
According to prosecutors, investigations reveal that despite the rejection, Chairman Wontumi allegedly entered the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, felled trees, and erected structures without authorisation.
Chairman Wontumi, described as a shareholder representing Akonta Mining, and Edward Akuoko, the company’s General Manager, were earlier arrested and arraigned before the court. Kwame Antwi, another shareholder of the company, and Owusu Bempah were initially declared at large.
While Owusu Bempah has since been arrested and granted bail, Kwame Antwi remains at large.
Meanwhile, in November 2025, the state informed the court of its decision to withdraw charges against Edward Akuoko and to use him as a prosecution witness. The prosecution has also indicated plans to amend the charge sheet to formally remove Akuoko as an accused person.
