The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced plans to take legal action against the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, following the government’s revocation of Akonta Mining Limited’s operating licence.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Chairman Wontumi—who is also the owner of Akonta Mining—vehemently denied allegations made by the minister during a press conference on Monday, April 21. He claimed the statements accusing his company of engaging in illegal mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve are false and damaging to his reputation and business.
“Enough is Enough”: Wontumi Pushes Back
“What we are saying is that we (Akonta Mining) are not operating. All the things the minister is saying are lies. I’m no longer going to sit without taking action,” Wontumi said in Twi.
He further alleged that the minister orchestrated a setup by moving mining equipment from illegal operators to Akonta Mining’s compound to create a false narrative of culpability. “We had only two bulldozers and excavators, which were being used for the reclamation of land. None of my machines were there,” he insisted.
Wontumi emphasized that Akonta Mining has not operated in the Tano Forest Reserve since 2023, when its licence was suspended by the previous administration. He accused the minister of engaging in deliberate sabotage and warned that those seeking to “destroy” him would face divine justice.
“God punishes every person who enjoys destroying others,” he said, warning that such actions have spiritual consequences.
Lands Minister Defends Action: Details of Illegal Mining Operation Uncovered
Meanwhile, the Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stood by his decision to revoke Akonta Mining’s licence, citing evidence gathered during a high-profile joint task force operation involving the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission.
The minister reported that six illegal mining sites were discovered in Compartment 49 of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, allegedly linked to Akonta Mining. The 12-hour operation, which commenced at 5 a.m., led to:
-
51 arrests (including 8 Chinese nationals)
-
Seizure of 30 excavators (5 impounded), along with mining equipment
-
Recovery of firearms, including 2 pump-action guns and a single-barrel shotgun
-
Confiscation of vehicles, including 2 Toyota Hilux pickups, 1 Toyota RAV4, and four motorbikes
The minister directed the Minerals Commission to formally revoke the company’s licence and emphasized that the government would not tolerate environmental degradation or illegal mining—no matter who is involved.
What Comes Next?
With Wontumi threatening to sue and the Lands Ministry standing by its decision, the stage is set for a potential legal battle that could test the enforcement of mining regulations and political influence in Ghana’s natural resource governance.
Observers say the case could become a landmark in Ghana’s fight against galamsey (illegal mining) and the push for accountability and transparency in resource management—especially when powerful individuals are involved.
Source: Thepressradio.com| Ghana| Ogyem Solomon| 2025
