This comes after the fourth and last prosecution witness, who is an expert from the Minerals Commission, brought his testimony to an end after Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for the owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, cross-examined him. 

During the cross-examination, the witness stated that as far as the accused persons were concerned, there was no record of the accused persons regarding the permit that has been raised in the trial adding, “So if there is any other evidence to the contrary. It is a Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995) stipulated matter”. 

Counsel Appiah-Kubi suggested to the prosecution witness that there was no legal assignment between Chairman Wontumi’s company and Henry Okum (a prosecution witness) to the knowledge of the Minerals Commission and all other agencies of state. 

“That is restating my witness statement, and it also helps this court that in our line of duty we come across persons who are acting in violation of the minerals and mining laws, and this form of acting without a license permit or authority has been criminalized by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019  ACT 995. 

After the cross-examination, the defence counsel prayed the court for four weeks to enable them file a submission of no case. 

Submission of no case 

A submission of no case is a right granted to accused persons under Section 173 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

It allows accused persons to convince a court that the prosecution had failed to make a prima facie case to warrant them opening their defence.

In the event a trial court finds merit in a submission of no case, the accused persons are discharged, but if not, they are directed to open their defence.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, declined to give the defence four weeks to file the submission of no case and asked them to do so within 14 days. 

The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2026. 

Background 

Chairman Wontumi and his company have been accused of permitting two people to undertake mining operations on his company’s mining concession without obtaining approval from the sector minister. 

They have been slapped with two counts of assignment of mineral rights without approval and two counts of purposely facilitating an unlicenced mining operation at Samreboi in the Western Region. 

Meanwhile, Kwame Antwi, a director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, who has also been charged with two counts of assignment of mineral rights without approval and purposely facilitating an unlicenced mining operation, is currently on the run. 

The accused persons have pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail pending trial.

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Owusu Bempah, the fifth accused person in a high-profile illegal mining case, is standing trial alongside Akonta Mining and three others, including the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The charges relate to alleged illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The accused pleaded not guilty on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to charges of undertaking mining operations without a licence, and abetting the unauthorised felling of trees and the erection of structures in the forest reserve.

The prosecution alleges that while Chairman Wontumi holds valid mining concessions in other areas, an application to mine within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve was rejected.

Despite this refusal, he allegedly entered the reserve and carried out unauthorised activities.

Owusu Bempah was initially declared at large but, according to his lawyer, Andrew Vortia, voluntarily presented himself to police about three weeks ago. He was granted police enquiry bail but was re-arrested on Monday, January 12, for failing to report as required.

Of the other accused, shareholder Kwame Antwi remains at large.

In a related development, the state in November 2025 moved to withdraw charges against the company’s General Manager, Edward Akuoko, intending to use him as a prosecution witness.

The prosecution plans to formally amend the charge sheet to reflect his removal as an accused person.

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The revelation was made in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by private legal practitioner Jonathan Owusu Asare.

In a response signed by the Ministry’s Information Officer, Lydia Attoh, the Attorney-General’s office outlined the chronology of interactions between the CID and the Ministry regarding the case.

According to the Ministry, the CID commenced investigations into Akonta Mining in October 2022 following petitions submitted by Ing. Ken Ashigbey and lawyer Martin Kpebu. The petitions raised concerns over alleged illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

However, the Attorney-General’s office indicated that it is unable to determine when the CID concluded its investigations. On the submission of the docket, the Ministry stated that the CID presented it to the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice “on or about September 15, 2025”.

The response further clarified that no docket relating to Akonta Mining was received by the Ministry between 2022 and 2024, despite investigations being underway during that period.

“This office did not receive a docket in respect of Akonta Mining within the stipulated time frame,” the statement said.

According to the legal team, key materials necessary for preparing their case were missing from the disclosures filed by the State.

Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining are facing trial over allegations that they permitted mining operations on their Samreboi concession without the requisite approvals.

The hearing on Tuesday, November 25, was scheduled as a case management conference to lay the groundwork for the trial. However, lead defence counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi informed the court that a formal application for additional disclosures would be filed.

This development followed the prosecution’s insistence that the documents submitted on October 31 and November 11 “constitute the complete set of materials they intend to rely on during the trial.”

Appiah-Kubi stated that the defence had anticipated supplementary disclosures — “including documents in the prosecution’s possession that may not be tendered in evidence but could nonetheless assist the accused during case management.” He added that although the defence had already drafted a motion seeking full disclosure, it had not yet been filed, prompting a request for more time.

The presiding judge directed the defence to file and serve the motion on the prosecution once ready. The court also ordered the accused to submit the names and addresses of all witnesses they intend to call at trial, should the prosecution establish a prima facie case.

The matter has been adjourned to December 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., when the defence’s application for additional disclosures is expected to be heard.

In an exclusive interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show, Mr. Akuoko said this revelation would form part of his testimony as a prosecution witness for the state.

According to him, this fact was publicly acknowledged by the company’s owner and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, during the ongoing trial.

His comments come after the Office of the Attorney-General (AG) formally withdrew all charges against him, making him the fourth accused person to be discharged in the criminal case involving Akonta Mining and some of its officials.

A notice filed at the Accra High Court (Criminal Division) on Monday and signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai stated that the withdrawal was in accordance with Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

Mr. Akuoko, however, declined to confirm whether mining activities actually took place within the forest reserve, citing ongoing court proceedings.

He admitted that he was initially terrified when he learned about the charges and their potential 15-year jail term if convicted.

Explaining his decision to cooperate with the Attorney-General’s Office and testify for the state, Mr. Akuoko said it was a personal choice guided by truth and due process.

“I decided to testify not out of disloyalty, but because I want to do what is right,” he stated. “If my former boss, Chairman Wontumi, is ever convicted, he might get a presidential pardon someday. I don’t think that opportunity would be extended to me.”

He also rejected suggestions that he had betrayed Chairman Wontumi, insisting that his cooperation with the prosecution was motivated by integrity rather than ingratitude.

“I am only standing by the truth and helping the court to establish the facts,” Mr. Akuoko emphasised.

Source: Akwasi Nsiah

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Both men, who are among the five accused persons and entities, were granted bail in the sum of GHC10 million each with two sureties, one of whom must justify the bail with landed property.

As part of the bail conditions, the accused are to submit their passports to the court registrar and report to the investigator every two weeks until further notice.

At their first court appearance, Chairman Wontumi and Mr. Akuoko pleaded not guilty to all charges.

They are standing trial alongside Akonta Mining Limited, its co-director Kwame Antwi, and Operations Manager Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, both of whom are currently at large.

The case stems from allegations that Akonta Mining Limited carried out illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in 2022 without authorisation from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.

The charges also include the alleged felling of over 300 merchantable trees, construction of unauthorised structures, and aiding unlicensed mining operations.

Chairman Wontumi, a director of Akonta Mining, entered his plea on behalf of both himself and the company. Investigators say efforts are underway to locate the two missing co-accused as proceedings continue.

Source: Adomonline

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The bail conditions require three sureties, two of whom must justify with landed property located within the court’s jurisdiction.

The bail was granted on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay after hearing submissions from Wontumi’s counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, and the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai.

Wontumi, the first accused and owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited, has pleaded not guilty to charges of facilitating unlicensed mining and assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval.

The charges stem from alleged illegal mining operations in Samreboi in the Western Region in 2024.

Defence counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi urged the court to grant bail, stressing that his client posed no risk of fleeing and was prepared to cooperate fully with the authorities.

However, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Srem-Sai, while not opposing the bail request, urged the court to impose strict conditions given the seriousness of the charges and the accused’s financial means.

“Gold mining is a capital-intensive business, and by their own admission, the accused is a man of substance. It is common knowledge that persons of substance are often greater flight risks,” Dr. Srem-Sai argued.

He further claimed that Wontumi had been uncooperative during the investigation and only turned himself in to the police after the Attorney General’s intervention, despite earlier invitations.

The prosecution also expressed concern about the second accused, Kwame Antwi, who remains at large. Dr. Srem-Sai indicated that Wontumi, a co-director of the company, had not provided any details about his partner’s identity or location.

In granting the bail, Justice Kocuvie-Tay outlined the following conditions:

A GHC15 million bail bond.

Three sureties, two of whom must justify with landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

Deposit of all passports with the court registrar.

Placement on the immigration stop list at all entry and exit points.

Sureties must submit copies of their Ghana Cards and digital addresses.

Wontumi must report to investigators on the first and third Monday of every month.

Investigators are to file monthly compliance reports directly to the presiding judge.

The court also directed the prosecution to file disclosures within three weeks, with the next hearing set for October 28, 2025.

Source : Adomonline 

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Appearing before Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay at the High Court in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, Wontumi, who is the first accused and owner of Akonta Mining, entered pleas for himself and on behalf of the company, which is listed as the third accused.

According to court documents, Wontumi is facing charges for assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and for facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

Both charges fall under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

Akonta Mining Company Limited, represented by Wontumi in court, also pleaded not guilty to similar charges—unauthorised assignment of mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining. These alleged offences are said to have taken place in 2024 at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The prosecution contends that the company and its director allowed two individuals, identified as Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to undertake mining operations within Akonta Mining’s concession without obtaining the required written approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.

The case, which draws on key provisions of Ghana’s mining legislation, highlights ongoing efforts by the state to enforce compliance and address unlawful mining practices across the country.

Source : Adomonline

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He is charged alongside Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Company Limited, which is owned by Wontumi. According to court documents, the second accused, Kwame Antwi, is currently at large.

The charges stem from alleged unauthorised mining operations at Samreboi in the Western Region and are grounded in the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

In the first charge, prosecutors claim that in 2024, Wontumi allowed two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to conduct mining activities within Akonta Mining’s concession without obtaining written approval from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. This, according to the Attorney-General, breaches Sections 14(1) and 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act.

A similar charge has been brought against Kwame Antwi, who, as a director of Akonta Mining, is also accused of permitting unauthorised mining within the same concession, violating the same provisions of the law.

The third charge targets Akonta Mining Company Limited itself. The firm is alleged to have allowed unauthorised mining to take place on its concession without the required ministerial consent, making it liable under corporate responsibility provisions of the Act.

The Attorney-General further accuses Wontumi of deliberately facilitating mining activities by the same two individuals, who did not hold valid licences to operate. Prosecutors contend that he enabled their operations within Akonta Mining’s concession in breach of the Minerals and Mining Act.

Kwame Antwi faces a similar allegation of intentionally aiding unlicensed miners on the company’s concession. The state maintains that his conduct also constitutes a violation of the same legal provisions.

The final count is directed at Akonta Mining Company Limited, with the company accused of enabling unlicensed mining within its concession — an act that constitutes a corporate offence under Section 99(2)(b) of Act 703.

The case, filed on October 6, 2025, by the Attorney-General’s Office led by Dr. Dominic Ayine, highlights the state’s increasing use of existing mining laws to address the growing menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. It is expected to test the extent of both individual and corporate accountability under Ghana’s mining regulations.

Source: Adomonline

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Read the full charge sheet below:

In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi assured that his client would cooperate fully with the authorities.

“We have been asked to appear at the Police CID in Accra, and we are ready. We will be there at 10 a.m. at the CID headquarters,” he said.

His scheduled appearance follows a caution issued by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, on Friday, October 3.

Dr. Ayine warned that Wontumi would face arrest if he failed to comply, confirming that charges against him have already been signed.

The ongoing investigation centres on Akonta Mining Limited, a company linked to the NPP regional chairman, which is alleged to have engaged in illegal mining activities.

Dr. Ayine noted that progress on the case had been stalled due to missing dockets, which were reportedly concealed under the previous administration, but stressed that the matter was now being pursued with urgency.

However, Mr. Appiah-Kubi has described the Attorney General’s warning as unnecessary, noting that his client had consistently shown willingness to cooperate with investigators.

“This announcement by the Attorney General surprises me. We respect the invitation and will honour it, but I think the warning that followed was unnecessary,” he stated. “We are not in any way going to disrespect the invitation.”

Source: Adomonline

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In a statement signed by its Convener, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Coalition expressed “shock and disappointment” over what it described as government inaction.

The Coalition accused the government of failing to act on clear evidence of the devastation caused by Akonta Mining.

“This is the time to send a strong and unambiguous message to politically exposed persons that impunity will not be tolerated, whether under the cover of political association, high social status, or any other privilege.

The fight against galamsey must be fair, fearless, and uncompromising. The government must prove its commitment by ensuring that justice is served swiftly and without exception,” the statement noted.

The concerns of the group follow a revelation by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the subsequent revocation of the company’s license in April 2025.

The Minister cited “overwhelming evidence” of illegal mining and criminal syndication as the basis for the decision.

Mr. Buah added that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, had been briefed and had taken over the investigations.

In this regard, the Coalition noted that the Ministry’s findings provided sufficient grounds for prosecution — yet no legal action has been taken.

They warned that the failure to prosecute the company and any complicit government officials sends a dangerous message of impunity and selective justice.

The Coalition has therefore called for the arrest and prosecution of officials from the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission, and security services who may have aided, abetted, or negligently enabled Akonta Mining’s illegal operations.

“The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey recalls the government’s unmistakable promises to fight the menace of galamsey and restore the balance of Ghana’s ecology. While we acknowledge that the government has done well to freeze the accounts of Akonta Mining Ltd, which confirms its recognition of the company’s involvement in illegal activities, there is no justification for the continued delay in prosecuting those responsible.

We strongly urge the government to arrest and prosecute the Managing Director/CEO, all Directors of Akonta Mining Ltd, and any culpable government officials without further delay, as a clear testament of its commitment to fighting galamsey. The government must act decisively in accordance with Act 995 to demonstrate that no one is above the law,” the statement read in parts.

Meanwhile, Akonta Mining described the Minister’s comments as “reckless and baseless,” calling the move “a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”

The company insisted that it holds valid leases and permits from the Minerals Commission and operates legally in Samreboi and Abokoase — not in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.

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Read the full statement below:

The company is demanding GH₵20 million in damages over allegations of illegal mining and corruption in protected forest reserves.

In a writ filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, Akonta Mining claims that Minister Buah defamed the company during a press conference on April 22, accusing it of orchestrating illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The company denies these allegations, stating that its legally acquired mining leases, granted in 2021, are outside the reserve.

On April 21, the Minister directed the immediate revocation of all mining licenses held by Akonta Mining Company Limited.

This followed serious allegations of illegal mining activities (galamsey) and regulatory breaches by the mining company.

Speaking at a press conference, the Minister disclosed that Akonta Mining had been implicated in a series of unlawful activities, including engaging in galamsey operations and violating established mining regulations.

Mr Buah stated that the company has also been illegally selling concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorised miners for up to GH₵300,000, and in some cases, in exchange for gold royalties.

“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access of the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession.

“Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity,” Mr Buah said.

He continued, “As part of the agreement between Akonta Mining and the illegal miners, weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold are to be paid to the company, lining the pockets of Akonta’s collaborators.”

In response to these allegations, the company in its lawsuit emphasised that it holds two valid 10-year mining leases since 2021 covering Samreboe and Abokoase areas, which are outside the Tano Nimiri reserve.

It added full compliance with all regulations, including payment of $301,000 in mineral rights fees and ground rents.

The company further maintains that there is no evidence supporting the Minister’s claims of encroachment or criminal activity.

On the back of these, Akonta Mining is seeking GHC 20 million in damages for defamation, a retraction and public apology from the Minister, and a court injunction barring further allegedly false statements.

This follows a revelation by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and the subsequent revocation of the company’s license.

The Minister cited “overwhelming evidence” of illegal mining and criminal syndication as the basis for the decision.

However, the company, in a statement, described the Minister’s comments as “reckless and baseless,” calling the move “a clear breach of natural justice and a politically motivated act.”

“The Honourable Minister’s decision to publicly link Akonta Mining to illegal mining activities and to call for the revocation of our mining license is not only unjust and premature, but also a clear case of seeking to hang the dog and give it a bad name,” the statement read.

The company insisted that it holds valid leases and permits from the Minerals Commission and operates legally in Samreboi and Abokoase — not in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.

It emphasised that it has never mined in the forest reserve, and that its request for access to the area was denied by both the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission in 2022.

Akonta Mining also dismissed claims that it accepted GH¢350,000 from illegal miners, describing the allegations as “entirely false, defamatory, and mischievous,” and challenging anyone with evidence to come forward.

“We vehemently deny any knowledge or association with one Mr. Ayisi, who is falsely alleged to be linked to us,” the statement added.

Highlighting its commitment to environmental responsibility, the company cited ongoing reclamation efforts, including the planting of over 18,000 coconut trees, with plans to plant 32,000 more.

“Although this is estimated to cost the company significantly, we consider it imperative to ensure a responsible mining project that will protect both the community and the environment,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Akonta Mining has pledged its willingness to cooperate with any legitimate investigation while urging the public and authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.

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The A-G expressed his commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in illegal mining activities, citing instances where his office has successfully prosecuted and subsequently imprisoned some Chinese nationals for their offenses.

“There has been the jailing of various Chinese nationals by the Tarkwa Circuit Court. We had two Chinese nationals thrown in for 25 years. The law and legal regimes request that if a foreigner is engaged in such activities, the minimum penalty is a punishment of 20 years and for a Ghanaian, 15 years minimum in jail.”

His comment was in response to allegations that his office has failed to prosecute the alleged illegal mining activities of Akonta Mining Limited belonging to the NPP chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, which was captured on video in a forest reserve mining.

In June 2023, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police began investigations following a petition filed by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey after claims that Akonta Mining had entered the Tano Nimiri forest reserve in the Western Region and was mining. 

According to the Ministry, even though Akonta Mining Limited had a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, the company had no right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. 

But speaking to JoyNews, the Attorney General said that his office has not received any evidence of wrongdoing in the alleged illegal mining activities.

“I have not seen any video. I think that if indeed there is such a video, then it will be, with due respect, a little bit irresponsible on the part of the media, for they not even furnishing me with the video.

“And the last time I was actually speaking on the matter on JoyFM, I indicated that no docket had been presented to me in respect of Akonta Mining and indeed, the gentleman who was speaking – all the panellists actually confirmed that his information was wrong,” he said.

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In a Facebook post, Mr Mahama said it is unacceptable that the President has consistently put pressure on state anti-corruption institutions by announcing clearance of appointees and companies that are under investigation for wrongdoing.

Speaking at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association, President Akufo-Addo said Akonta Mining which belongs to the Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman, Wontumi is not engaged in any illegality presently. 

But in a lengthy Facebook post, Mr Jinapor indicated the comments by the President in no way relates to past or future activities of Akonta Mining, and cannot, by any shred of imagination, be deemed as exonerating the company from any past activities or interfering with any ongoing investigations.

“As it is public knowledge, the allegations of illegal mining by Akonta Mining Ltd are being investigated by state institutions responsible for such investigations, the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

“When I received the report from the investigations conducted by the Forestry Commission, pursuant to my directive, I forwarded the report to the Ghana Police Service, through the Minister for Interior, to assist them in their investigations,” the Minister said.

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According to him, the President is mindful of ongoing investigations and refrained from speaking on past activities of the company which are under investigations by the state agencies.

“Indeed, but for the specific question posed by the Chairman of the occasion, the President would not have mentioned Akonta Mining at all.

“I, also, want to put on record that no one, and absolutely no one, compelled me to issue the Press Statement on Akonta Mining which was issued following the allegations of their activities in the Forest Reserve. Neither has the President called any official of Akonta Mining to ‘appease’ them on the action taken by Government. These claims, if they were indeed made, as you suggest, are, obviously, false and a figment of peoples’ own imagination,” he added.

The Minister maintained he has reluctantly come out to set these records straight due to the very unfair and unfortunate manner in which Mr Mahama has attacked the unblemished reputation and integrity of the President, his successor.

Below is the full post:

According to him, the President’s assertion about the firm was rather an assurance that at the time he was speaking Akonta Mining was not engaged in any unauthorised mining.

On Wednesday, President Akufo-Addo at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association in Koforidua cleared the mining firm of any wrongdoing.

According to the President, the firm is not engaged in any illegality presently.

“I want to assure you all that Akonta Mining is not engaged in any form of illegal mining anywhere in Ghana as we speak,” he stated.

The firm in question owned by NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Wontumi, is the subject of an ongoing investigation for allegedly operating in the Tano Nimiri forest reserve without a lease or license

This statement has raised eyebrows among some stakeholders including the convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining who seems disappointed.

But the sector minister, Samuel Jinapor, says the comment does not absolve Akonta mining from any culpability and that his outfit is working with the Special Prosecutor on the matter.

“The President was not speaking about the wrongdoing or otherwise of Akonta Mining in the past, the criminality or otherwise of Akonta Mining in the past. He was not commenting on what happened in the past. He was giving an assurance of the state of affairs as of the time he was addressing the conference.”

He spoke on the sidelines of a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Military High Command, Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

The Minister intimated that the President must be rater commended for his efforts in the fight against the canker.

Additionally, government has reviewed its strategy to fight illegal mining in the country.

This comes with an assurance of sustaining the momentum to clamp down on persons involved in the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forests.

Addressing the press after a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Military High Command, Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor said the new measures will be rolled out and made public soon.

Dr Kenneth Ashigbey said the comment by the President is worrying and could hinder ongoing investigations into the company’s operations. 

According to him, state institutions mandated to supervise mining activities in the country have already confirmed the company’s involvement in the act – hence the President’s defence is untenable.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications thus quizzed President Akufo-Addo if the mining firm was not in the nation’s forest reserves last year. 

“Some media works had been done and some reportage in the media revealed the clashes between workers of Akonta Mining and residents of the Samreboi community where the residents prevented the miners from mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. 

Also the Minerals Commission which is the independent regulatory body responsible for issuing licenses also said that Akonta Mining is engaged in illegal activities and so it is worrying the president is saying Akonta Mining is not engaged in illegal mining as we speak.”

“The President may be right when he says Akonta Mining is not engaged in illegal mining activities as we speak, it may be because maybe Akonta Mining has left the forest reserve but the question we must be asking is, was the firm not in the forest sometime last year?”

President Akufo-Addo speaking at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association in Koforidua cleared the mining firm of any wrongdoing.

According to the President, the firm is not engaged in any illegality presently. 

“I want to assure you all that Akonta Mining is not engaged in any form of illegal mining anywhere in Ghana as we speak,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

This, has generated widespread criticism for the President. 

Some Ghanaians have already said the President’s defence could temper with investigations into the company’s activities. 

The lawyer has said that from his position as counsel for Akonta Mining, he was aware that the operations of the mining firm never contravened the law.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has exonerated Akonta Mining Company Limited from any wrongdoing, stressing that the Company is not involved in any illegal mining anywhere in Ghana.

“Let me respond briefly to the chairperson on the issue of illegal mining,” President Akufo-Addo remarked after concerns about the menace came to the fore at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association held in Koforidua.

“I want to assure him and all of you that Akonta Mining is not engaged in any illegal mining anywhere in Ghana as we speak,” President Akufo-Addo said while responding to a concern expressed by the chairperson of the occasion, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, regarding Akonta Mining Company Limited’s supposed infraction of the laws to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

Mr Appiah noted that Akonta mining is a registered large-scale mining firm and investigations conducted by the Minerals Commission and Forestry Commission have proven that there was nothing illegal about its operations.

“State institutions responsible for the investigation were given all evidence and realized that people had falsely accused Akonta mining. Forestry Commission and minerals commission were all involved and facts proved, Akonta wasn’t engaged in any illegal activity”, he in an interview on Wontumi TV.

The President said this at the 28th National and 16th Biennial Congress of the National Union of Ghana Catholic Diocesan Priests Association held in Koforidua on Wednesday.

Many groups and individuals have demanded punitive measures against the company and its owners, led by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwo-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, for alleged illegalities perpetuated by the company in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region last year.

But President Akufo-Addo while responding to the Chairperson of the event, Ing. Ken Ashigbey’s question of why Chairman Wontumi continues to walk a free man when he should be investigated and prosecuted, said Akonta Mining is not engaged in any illegality as we speak.

“Let me respond briefly to the chairperson on the issue of illegal mining. I want to assure him and all of you that Akonta Mining is not engaged in any illegal mining anywhere in Ghana as we speak.

“Further, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has through the agency of the Forestry Commission, with the assistance of the military, made the effort to cordon off all 294 sites of forest reserves in the country and rid them of illegal mining as we speak.”

The Company, which belongs to New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Region Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako was stopped from mining in the Tano Nimiri forest reserve in October 2022 by the Lands Ministry.

According to the Ministry, even though Akonta Mining Limited had a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, the company had no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The Special Prosecutor is currently investigating the matter.

He noted this forms part of stringent laws being put in place against illegal mining, especially to protect the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.

Mr Jinapor said this on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen while speaking on the ban on prospecting in forest reserves.

“The fact that the Minister has come out with a ban on prospecting and recognizance, as well as exploration activities, doesn’t mean that certain people will not flout that rule, there will be recalcitrant ones. Those people are perpetuating and engaged in illegality. When it comes to our attention we’ll deal with it,” he said.

Citing the operations of Akonta Mining Limited, the Minister noted he could have chosen to turn a blind eye to it because it involves Chairman Wontumi of his party, the New Patriotic Party.

However, he ordered them to halt operations with investigations ongoing into their activities in the forest reserve and when found culpable, they will not be spared.

“Like this Tano-Nimri, Samreboi relating to this matter, the Akonta matter. I have gone a step further to get a task force from the Forestry Commission with helicopters to flush the whole forest reserve of all kinds of mining. Not just in respect of Akonta, but everything.

“Today, the indication I get from the Forestry Commission is that that particular forest reserve at least for now is rid of any illegal mining activity,” he added.

When the reconnaissance licence expired, he was granted a prospecting licence over the same area of land, on December 31, 2012 for a term of two years to expire on December 30, 2014.

By section 41 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the area of a mining lease cannot exceed 63 square kilometres, i.e., 300 blocks (a block is 21 hectares).

So, after the prospecting, they divided the area into three [Samreboi (44.94 sq. km), Abekoase (44.94 sq. km) and Anhuntem 45.3 sq. km), and applied for three different leases in respect of the same area they had conducted the reconnaissance and prospecting.

The Samreboi and Abekoase leases were granted on 23rd July 2022 after he paid the mineral rights fees and ground rent.

The Minerals Commission’s letter by which the lease was submitted for the Minister’s signature clearly states that these areas are outside the Forest Reserve.

The site plans attached to the leases also show that they do not fall within the Forest Reserve (Appendix 6 and 7)

In respect of the Anhuntem application, the lease has not been granted because the company has not paid the mineral right fees and the ground rent. That area is also outside the Forest Reserve.

Apart from these three leases, the company applied for a prospecting licence to prospect for minerals in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and applied for a Forest Entry Permit.

It was in respect of this application that the Forestry Commission wrote to the Minerals Commission, saying although they have no objection to mining, it must be subject to the Minister’s Directive on prospecting in Forest Reserves.

The application for a prospecting licence was later withdrawn, and the company applied for a mining lease over a portion of the Forest Reserve on August 25, 2022.

The company’s application was for a 24-year lease, but the Minerals Commission advised the company to revise the mine life to 10 years.

Beyond that, the application has not yet been determined by the Minister. So currently, the company has no mining lease to mine in the Forest, and they do not have a Forest Entry permit to enter the forest.

This was contained in a letter intercepted by Adomonline.com dated August 5, 2022, and addressed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission.

The letter signed by the Forestry Commission CEO noted the outfit in principle has no objection to mining.

However, the processing of Akonta Mining’s document, the letter stated, was subject to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Minister.

This comes a few days after the Minerals Commission of Ghana revealed that Akonta Mining Limited has no mining lease, mineral right, and/or permit to undertake any mining operation in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve or any other reserve.

The Commission explained the mineral leases granted to Akonta Mining Limited fall outside the Tano Nimri Reserve, and thus documents purporting to indicate otherwise should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

The Commission, however, noted that Akonta Mining Ltd indeed has a pending application dated August 25, 2022, for a Mining Lease over an area within the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.

According to the Commission, the mineral leases granted to Akonta Mining Limited fall outside the Tano Nimri Reserve, and thus documents purporting to indicate otherwise should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Akonta Mining Limited has two mining leases in the Samreboi area, granted following a Reconnaissance Licence granted on 15^th June, 2011 and a Prospecting Licence granted on 31^st December, 2012.

“These are: Mining lease over an area in Samreboi, dated 23^rd July 2021, (the Lease in circulation); and Mining lease over an area in Abokoase dated 23^rd July, 2021,” the Minerals Commission said in a press release dated October 3.

The Commission, however, revealed that Akonta Mining Ltd indeed has a pending application dated August 25, 2022, for a Mining Lease over an area within the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.

“That application has not been determined by the Minister, who is mandated by law, to grant or refuse such applications.”

Meanwhile, the Commission says steps are currently being undertaken to enforce the Minister’s directive for the immediate withdrawal of Akonta Mining Ltd from the Tano Nimri Reserve.

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, said his company, Akonta Mining Limited, has all the required documentation.

Speaking on Wontumi TV on Monday, October 3, Chairman Wontumi said he is ready to make the documents available.

“I am appealing to them to use the law. They should do their investigations, and we should let the law work.

“I have a large scale company which Akonta mining is under… All the required documents I have, I will make all available[sic],” he added.

Mr Wontumi, thus, rejected accusations that he is involved in galamsey.

“I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey,” he insisted.

The Lands Ministry and Natural Resources Ministry on Friday, September 30 directed mining firm, Akonta Mining Limited to stop operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest.

The Ministry said though Akonta Mining Limited has a mining lease to undertake mining operations in some parts of Samreboi, outside the Forest Reserve, “the company has no mineral right to undertake any mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.”

According to the statement, the sector minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has therefore directed the Forestry Ministry to, “forthwith, ensure that the company does not carry out any operation in the Forest and to take the necessary action against any person found culpable in this matter.”

“Our records show that Akonta Mining Ltd, on August 25, 2022, applied for a Mining Lease to undertake mining operations in the said Forest Reserve. By a Ministerial Directive, all reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploratory activities in Forest Reserves in the country are suspended, except in exceptional circumstances.

“Although this directive does not affect mining in Forest Reserves, Akonta Mining Limited’s application has not been determined. Accordingly, any alleged activity being undertaken by the company in the Forest Reserve is illegal,” the statement further disclosed.

This was after two persons sustained gunshot wounds at Samreboi in the Western Region after a section of the youth reportedly prevented personnel from Akonta Mining Limited from sending more mining equipment into the Tano Nimri Forest reserve.