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

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.