Chairman Wontumi Reports to Police CID Over Akonta Mining Probe

NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Faces Questions on Alleged Illegal Mining Activities

A October 6, 2025 

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is scheduled to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service today, Monday, October 6, 2025, in connection with alleged illegal mining activities linked to his company, Akonta Mining Limited.

The appearance comes after Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, issued a stern warning on Friday, October 3, 2025, that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would face arrest if he failed to honour the invitation. The Attorney General revealed that charges against Chairman Wontumi have already been signed.

Investigation into Akonta Mining Limited

The police probe centers on Akonta Mining Limited, a company associated with the prominent NPP regional chairman, which is being investigated for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, commonly known as "galamsey" in Ghana.

According to Dr. Ayine, the investigation had been significantly delayed because crucial case dockets were allegedly concealed during the previous administration. This claim suggests that the case may have been deliberately stalled or suppressed for political reasons.

"The case had been delayed because crucial dockets were concealed under the previous administration," the Attorney General stated, signaling the current government's determination to pursue the matter regardless of political affiliations.

Lawyer Confirms Cooperation

Speaking to the media observed by vistanewsgh.com , Chairman Wontumi's lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed that his client would honour the police invitation and report to the CID headquarters at 10:00 am today.

However, Mr. Appiah Kubi expressed surprise and displeasure at the Attorney General's public warning about a potential arrest, describing it as unnecessary given his client's consistent cooperation with investigators.

"We have been asked to appear at the police CID in Accra, which we are ready for and we will be there at 10am at the police CID headquarters," the lawyer stated.

He added, "This announcement by the Attorney General surprises me. I said, we respect the invitation and we will honour it but I think the warning that followed that announcement was unnecessary. We are not in any way going to disrespect invitation."

Political and Environmental Context

The case comes amid heightened national concern about illegal mining and its devastating environmental impact on Ghana's water bodies, forests, and farmlands. The galamsey menace has become a major political and environmental issue, with successive governments pledging to tackle it but often facing criticism for inadequate enforcement.

Chairman Wontumi's high political profile as the NPP's Ashanti Regional Chairman adds a sensitive political dimension to the investigation. The Ashanti Region is considered a stronghold of the NPP, and Chairman Wontumi is one of the party's most influential regional figures.

What Happens Next

The questioning at the CID is expected to focus on the operations of Akonta Mining Limited and whether the company engaged in illegal mining activities. Depending on the outcome of today's interrogation and the evidence available, formal charges could be filed against Chairman Wontumi and other individuals associated with the company.

Legal experts note that if charges are indeed filed, the case could set an important precedent in Ghana's fight against illegal mining, particularly regarding the accountability of politically connected individuals and companies.

The Attorney General's public statements suggest that the current administration is prepared to pursue the case vigorously, regardless of political considerations. This approach has been welcomed by environmental activists and civil society groups who have long called for equal application of the law in addressing the galamsey crisis.

Ongoing Anti-Galamsey Efforts

Ghana has been battling the illegal mining menace for years, with various governments deploying military personnel, introducing legislative reforms, and conducting arrests. However, critics argue that enforcement has been inconsistent, with politically connected individuals often appearing to enjoy protection from prosecution.

The current administration has pledged to tackle illegal mining without fear or favour, and the Akonta Mining case is being closely watched as a test of this commitment.

As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders across Ghana's political spectrum, environmental advocacy groups, and the mining sector will be monitoring how authorities handle this high-profile case.