Wontumi’s galamsey trial takes new turn as state drops charges against Akonta Mining manager
This move, described by legal observers as a strategic recalibration, is aimed at strengthening the prosecution’s case against Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The illegal mining (galamsey) cases involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have taken a dramatic turn after the Attorney General (AG) discontinued charges against Edward Akuoko, General Manager of Akonta Mining Ltd, shifting him from an accused person to a prosecution witness.
This move, described by legal observers as a strategic recalibration, is aimed at strengthening the prosecution’s case against Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The High Court proceedings on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, saw both of Wontumi’s galamsey-related cases adjourned — one to November 12 and the other to December 4, 2025 — due to separate procedural developments.
This case concerns allegations that Wontumi authorised mining activities at his Samreboi concession in the Western Region without ministerial approval.
Prosecutors requested an adjournment to November 12 to allow time to complete disclosures — documents and evidence the prosecution must share with the defence, including witness lists, forensic analyses, and investigative reports.
Wontumi and Akonta Mining Ltd face three counts of assigning mineral rights without approval and three counts of facilitating unlicensed mining, contrary to Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.
The second case, considered more serious, accuses Wontumi and his company of conducting unauthorised mining within the protected Tano Nimire Forest Reserve.
The matter was postponed to December 4, 2025, because the presiding judge is currently on leave.
According to the state, Akonta Mining’s operations destroyed about 13 hectares of land, including sections of the Tano River, causing significant environmental damage and deforestation.
Charges include illegal mining, tree felling, and erecting structures within a forest reserve without lawful authority.
Wontumi has pleaded not guilty in both cases and remains on bail, set at GH₵15 million with three sureties for the Samreboi case, and GH₵10 million with two justified sureties for the forest reserve case.
