Accusations Of Illegal Mining: Akonta Mining And Chairman

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and owner of Akonta Mining, is embroiled in a controversy surrounding his company’s alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

Akonta Mining has been accused of operating within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, collaborating with Chinese nationals, and destroying water bodies.

Revocation of Mining License

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has directed the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining’s license due to alleged illegal operations. A joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission uncovered six illegal mining sites linked to the company. The minister cited interviews with residents, stating that Akonta Mining uses force to encroach on farmlands and destroy produce belonging to poor farmers.

Operation Results

The operation, conducted on Good Friday, resulted in:

– 51 arrests, including 8 Chinese nationals and 39 Ghanaian men
– Seizure of 30 excavators, 2 pump-action guns, and other mining equipment
– The suspects were transported to Accra and remain in police custody pending prosecution

Freezing of Bank Accounts

The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all bank accounts linked to Bernard Antwi Boasiako and Akonta Mining, citing Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The directive includes accounts associated with:

1. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi)
2. Akonta Mining
3. Hallmark Civil Engineering Limited

Denial of Allegations

Akonta Mining has denied all allegations, describing them as “false and misleading”. The company condemned the revocation of its licence, asserting that it was a violation of natural justice and politically motivated. Akonta Mining reiterated its commitment to transparency and legal compliance, dismissing allegations of accepting GH¢350,000 from illegal miners as “entirely false and defamatory”.

The controversy surrounding Akonta Mining and Chairman Wontumi raises concerns about the enforcement of environmental regulations and the rule of law in Ghana’s mining sector. As the investigation unfolds, the outcome will likely have implications for the company’s future operations and the broader mining industry.