Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been charged alongside two others in connection with galamsey activities allegedly carried out by his Akonta Mining Limited.
Wontumi has been charged alongside Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Company Limited (Wontumi’s firm).
The second accused person, Kwame Antwi, is currently on the run.
According to court documents, Chairman Wontumi have been slapped with six counts, including, “Assignment of mineral rights without approval, Assignment of mineral rights without approval, Corporate liability for unauthorised assignment, Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining, Purposely facilitating unlicensed mining, and Corporate facilitation of unlicensed mining”.
Wontumi and the two other charges stem from alleged unauthorised mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The charge sheet detailed that an operation by state security on April 26, 2025, led to the arrest of Michael Ayisi Gyedu and 28 on the Akonta Mining concession.
Mr Gyedu, during interrogation, fingered one Henry Okum as the one who gave him authorisation to supervise mining activities on the land.
According to the state, Henry Okum, during interrogation, admitted to seeking and receiving permission from Chairman Wontumi to mine within the Samreboi concession.
Investigators alleged that Wontumi granted permission without first obtaining the legally required approval from the Minister, as mandated by the laws.
Wontumi, yesterday, October 6, 2025, was granted bail following his appearance before the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service.
Chairman Wontumi was granted a GH¢1 million bail with two sureties, which he has met successfully.
Wontumi reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, after his lawyer had confirmed they would be there at 10:00 am.
He was accompanied by his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi.
Andy Appiah Kubi had earlier stated that the Attorney General’s warning is unnecessary as Wontumi has cooperated with investigators.
Speaking to Citi News on Sunday, October 5, Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, stated, “We have been asked to appear at the police CID in Accra, which we are ready for, and we will be there at 10 am at the police CID headquarters.
“This announcement by the Attorney General surprises me. I said, we respect the invitation and we will honour it, but I think the warning that followed that announcement was unnecessary,” he said, adding We are not in any way going to disrespect the invitation.”
Andy Appiah-Kubi, speaking after the CID visit, confirmed that the charge against Wontumi involves mining without a license and revealed that the matter would be fully addressed in court.
He, however, maintained his client’s innocence.
“As you have seen, we will go to court, and that is where the decision will be taken. We are not to maintain innocence, but we are allowed to proceed and then present our defence,” Andy Appiah-Kubi stated.
It will be recalled that on April 21 2025, the John Mahama government formally revoked Chairman Wontumi’s Akonta Mining license.
Wontumi’s Akonta Mining has been accused of galamsey operations within the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, revealed the case was delayed because crucial dockets were concealed under the previous Akufo-Addo Bawumia administration.
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