Chairman Wontumi Faces Seven Fresh Charges Over Alleged Illegal Mining in Tano Nimire Forest Reserve

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is facing seven fresh charges in connection with alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve in the Western Region.

This development comes just hours after his appearance in a separate case earlier today, where he was granted GH₵15 million bail and placed on a stop list after pleading not guilty to six mining-related charges.

In the latest case before the High Court, Wontumi, along with four others and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, stands accused of unlawful mining operations, destruction of the environment, and obstruction of forestry officials during the company’s activities in 2022.

Breakdown of the Charges

Count One: Undertaking Mining Operations Without a Licence
Akonta Mining Company Limited is alleged to have conducted mining operations at Samreboi in 2022 without a valid licence from the Minister, contrary to Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.

Count Two: Undertaking Mining Operations Without a Licence
Chairman Wontumi and one Kwame Antwi (currently at large) allegedly engaged in mining activities as owners and directors of Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve without authorisation.

Count Three: Undertaking Mining Operations Without a Licence
The company’s General Manager, Edward Akuoku, and Operations Manager, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah (alias Sly, also at large), are accused of overseeing mining operations in the forest reserve without the requisite permits.

Count Four: Felling Trees in a Forest Reserve Without Written Authority
Akonta Mining Company Limited is charged with the unlawful felling of over 300 merchantable trees and numerous saplings within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve, in violation of Section 1(1)(a) of the Forest Protection Act, 1974 (NRCD 243), as amended by Act 624.

Count Five: Abetment of Unauthorised Felling of Trees
Wontumi and three others are accused of aiding and facilitating the illegal felling of trees, contrary to the Forest Protection Act and Section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Count Six: Erecting Buildings in a Forest Reserve Without Written Authority
The company is also accused of constructing unauthorised structures within the forest reserve, contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of NRCD 243, as amended.

Count Seven: Abetment of Unauthorised Erection of Buildings
Wontumi and his co-accused allegedly facilitated the construction of buildings within the forest reserve without written approval from the competent forestry authority.

Background and Facts of the Case

Court documents reveal that Akonta Mining Company Limited was incorporated in 2010, with Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) and Kwame Antwi (now at large) listed as shareholders and directors.

Investigations, however, indicate that Wontumi has exercised direct and exclusive control over the company’s operations since its establishment.

In August 2022, after the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources rejected Akonta Mining’s application to operate within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve, forestry officials reportedly discovered excavators and other heavy machinery bearing the company’s logo actively mining in the area.

The operations allegedly caused significant environmental damage, including the pollution of the Tano River, massive deforestation, and the clearing of about 13 hectares of forest land.

According to investigators, a team from the Forestry Commission that attempted to seize equipment from the illegal site was confronted by armed guards believed to be associated with Akonta Mining. The confrontation allegedly turned violent, forcing the officials to release the seized equipment before leaving the area.

Following months of investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Wontumi and two other suspects were arrested and charged, while two others remain at large.

The case is expected to resume this afternoon as the prosecution begins to present its evidence against the accused persons.

If convicted, the accused could face substantial fines, revocation of mining rights, and possible custodial sentences under Ghana’s mining and forestry protection laws.

Credit: myjoyojonline.com