Akonta Mining Boss, Chairman Wontumi, Hit with GH¢ 157,000 Fine and 5 Years in Jail

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The High Court of Justice in Accra has convicted Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, and sentenced him to 5 years in prison for his role in environmental degradation and galamsey. The court also fined him GH¢ 157,000. Additionally, the court dissolved Akonta Mining Company Limited.

You might be wondering how this happened. So, let's dive into the story.

The case against Chairman Wontumi began when police officers conducted an anti-galamsey operation in the Samreboi Forest in April 2025. They arrested Michael Gyadu Ayisi, who was working for Akonta Mining, alongside 28 other workers. During the arrest, the police seized several equipment and contraband, including excavators, guns, and cartridges, as well as GH¢ 157,000 in cash.

In an effort to understand the full scope of the operation, investigators discovered that Chairman Wontumi had entered into an oral arrangement with Henry Okum, Akonta Mining's employee, to extract gold from the concession without the required ministerial approval.

Chairman Wontumi admitted to granting verbal permission for land reclamation but claimed he had no knowledge of the gold mining activities.

The court found that Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining had breached several sections of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, including Section 14(1), which prohibits transferring, assigning, mortgaging, or encumbering a mineral right without written ministerial approval, and Section 99(2)(b), which creates penal liability for aiding, facilitating, or promoting any breach of the Act.

So, what happens next? The court's decision sends a strong message about corporate governance and compliance with environmental regulations.

You might be wondering who Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi is. So, let's give you some background.

Chairman Wontumi is the chairman of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a key figure in the galamsey controversy in Ghana. He has been involved in several high-profile cases, including a dispute with the Ghanaian government over the company's mining activities.

Chairman Wontumi has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he is being unfairly targeted by the government. However, the court's decision sends a strong message about corporate governance and compliance with environmental regulations.

The Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, prohibits transferring, assigning, mortgaging, or encumbering a mineral right without written ministerial approval.

The court's decision has significant implications for the galamsey industry in Ghana. It highlights the need for strict compliance with environmental regulations and corporate governance.

Ghanaians might wonder what happens next. Who will enforce the ruling? What is the legal process now?

The court's decision will be enforced by the Ghanaian government, which will take steps to ensure compliance with the ruling. The government may also take further action against Akonta Mining and its employees.

In the meantime, the galamsey industry in Ghana will be on high alert, with the government taking a harder stance on environmental degradation and corporate governance.