Connect with us

Crime and Investigation

Chairman Wontumi Pleads Not Guilty to Seven Illegal Mining Charges in Tano Nimire Forest Case

Published

on

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges brought against him and four others over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve at Samreboi in the Western Region.

 

His plea was entered on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Accra High Court, just hours after he appeared in a separate case earlier in the day, where he was placed on a stop list and granted GH₵15 million bail for six other mining-related offences.

 

Chairman Wontumi appeared in court alongside officials of Akonta Mining Company Limited and other associates accused of engaging in unauthorised mining operations and environmental destruction within a protected forest reserve. The prosecution alleges that their activities resulted in the destruction of approximately 13 hectares of land in the Tano Nimire Forest.

 

After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence, the court granted Wontumi bail in the sum of GH₵10 million with two sureties, one of whom must justify with landed property.

 

The case, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General, involves offences under the Minerals and Mining Act, the Forest Protection Act, and the Criminal Offences Act. The accused persons are alleged to have conducted illegal mining operations, felled trees, and erected structures within the forest reserve without the necessary permits.

 

Details of the Charges:

 

1. Undertaking Mining Without Licence:

Akonta Mining Company Limited allegedly operated a mining concession at Samreboi in 2022 without a valid licence from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, contrary to Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995.

 

2. Undertaking Mining Without Licence:

Chairman Wontumi and one Kwame Antwi (currently at large) are accused of conducting mining operations as owners and directors of Akonta Mining Company Limited within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve without authorisation.

3. Undertaking Mining Without Licence:

The company’s General Manager, Edward Akuoku, and Operations Manager, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah (alias Sly, at large), are also accused of unlawfully operating within the reserve.

 

4. Felling Trees Without Authority:

Akonta Mining Company Limited allegedly felled over 300 merchantable trees and several saplings without written authorisation, contrary to the Forest Protection Act, 1974 (NRCD 243).

 

5. Abetment of Unauthorised Felling of Trees:

Chairman Wontumi and three others allegedly aided the unlawful felling of trees in violation of the Forest Protection Act and Section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

 

6. Erecting Buildings Without Permission:

The company is further accused of constructing buildings and other structures in the forest reserve without approval, contrary to the Forest Protection Act.

 

7. Abetment of Unauthorised Construction:

Wontumi and his co-accused allegedly facilitated the unauthorised erection of structures within the forest reserve without permission from the forestry authorities.

Chairman Wontumi, who had earlier been granted GH₵1 million bail in a related case, has met all bail conditions and was released pending trial.

Crime and Investigation

Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation

Published

on

Police Arrest Five Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Two Victims in Nsawam Operation

The Nsawam District Police Command has arrested five individuals in connection with the kidnapping of two men travelling from Accra to Anyinam, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation. The victims were rescued safely and are in stable condition.

Police reports indicate that on January 10, 2026, the Command received credible intelligence that the two men had been abducted and moved to an undisclosed location. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of GH¢400,000 from the victims’ family and later instructed them to make an initial payment of GH¢5,000.

Acting on the information, officers from the Nsawam District Police, with support from the Suhum Police Command, mounted an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects at a drinking spot near the Suhum Roundabout.

The suspects have been identified as Suleman Salifu, 24; Godfred Owusu, 26; Antwi Bismark, 27; Anas Salis, 38; and Gyamfi Isaac, 33. The victims, Seidu Sambiane, 28, and Ibrahim Alhassan, 42, were rescued during the operation without harm.

A search of an unregistered Acura 4×4 vehicle allegedly used by the suspects resulted in the recovery of several items, including forged GH¢100 and GH¢200 notes, specimen papers cut to the size of currency notes, and an amount of GH¢4,600 in cash. Police also retrieved a pistol, a cutlass, talismans and amulets, as well as five mobile phones.

The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations as police prepare to take further legal action.

Continue Reading

Crime and Investigation

Police Arrest 120 Suspects in Major Crackdown on Drug Dealers and Criminal Gangs in East Legon

Published

on

A major police operation aimed at curbing illicit drug activities and criminal gangs in the East Legon area has resulted in the arrest of 120 suspects, including six women.

After the arrests, all suspects were taken to the East Legon Police Station, where screening is ongoing to identify individuals linked to specific criminal activities and those suspected of dealing in illegal drugs.

According to a police report, the operation was led by ACP Saviour Ahiamadi and supported by several senior officers from Police Headquarters. These included DSP Malaika-Jibril Alhassan, DSP Richard Beriko, ASP Afram, ASP Sarpong, and ASP Imoro from the Accra Region.

The exercise was a joint effort involving officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, as well as the Accra and East Legon Regional Commands. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the police to enhance security and maintain law and order in the area.

Continue Reading

Crime and Investigation

Three Suspected Robbers Killed in Christmas Eve Gun Battle with Police in Ashanti Region

Published

on

Three suspected armed robbers were shot dead during a gun battle with police on Christmas Eve in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction in the Ashanti Region.

The suspects were part of a five-member gang that reportedly opened fire on police officers after encountering them during an intelligence-led operation. Two other members of the gang escaped and are currently on the run.

The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital following the exchange of gunfire but were pronounced dead on arrival. They have been identified as Seidu Issah, 29; Musah Yakubu, 35; and Yahaya Munkaila, also known as Tijani, 25. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.

A police situational report (SITREP), sighted by Graphic Online, said investigations are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover additional weapons. The report noted that the deceased suspects and their accomplices were wanted in connection with several robberies and killings in Manso, Jacobu, and the Anwiankwanta area.

According to the SITREP, on December 24, 2025, police received intelligence that the gang had assembled in a bush between Anwiankwanta and the Jacobu Junction and were planning to launch an attack along the Anwiankwanta–Obuasi road.

Acting on the information, police carried out an operation using four service vehicles to raid the area. Upon arrival, officers spotted about five young men armed with guns. The suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to flee through the bush, prompting police to return fire. Three suspects were shot, while the remaining two escaped, reportedly with gunshot wounds.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two pump-action guns loaded with six rounds of ammunition each, one unbranded pistol, and a sack containing 25 live cartridges and six spent cartridges.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 KPDOnline. Powered by AfricaBusinessFile