Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been barred from leaving Ghana after the High Court placed him on a stop list at all entry and exit points across the country.
The decision comes as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party appeared before the High Court Criminal Division in Accra on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, facing six criminal charges related to illegal mining activities.
The prominent political figure and businessman was granted bail in the sum of GH¢15 million with stringent conditions.
He is required to provide three sureties, two of whom must justify their ability to support the bail amount. Wontumi, who appeared in court alongside his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
A second accused person, Kwame Antwi, remains at large and is being sought by authorities.
The charges against Wontumi stem from allegations that his company, Akonta Mining, engaged in various breaches of Ghana’s mining laws.
According to court documents, he faces accusations of undertaking mining operations without a valid licence, pollution of water bodies, and entering a forest reserve without proper authorization.
One particularly serious charge alleges that Wontumi deliberately facilitated mining operations by individuals who did not possess the requisite licences issued by the Minister, enabling these illegal activities to occur within Akonta Mining’s concession.
The case traces back to an operation conducted by state security forces on April 26, 2025, which led to the arrest of 29 individuals engaged in mining activities on the Akonta Mining concession.
Prior to his court appearance, Wontumi had been granted an initial bail of GH¢1 million by the Criminal Investigations Department with two sureties after reporting to CID headquarters following warnings from the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine.
The Attorney General had previously accused Akonta Mining of becoming a criminal syndicate, alleging that the company unlawfully sold mining concessions within the Aboi Forest Reserve to unauthorized miners.
Some of these concessions were reportedly sold for as much as GH¢300,000, while others were allegedly exchanged for gold royalties.
These activities have raised serious concerns about environmental degradation and the ongoing battle against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which has devastated numerous water bodies and forest reserves across Ghana.
The placement of Wontumi on the stop list ensures that he remains within Ghana’s borders throughout the legal proceedings, preventing any possibility of fleeing the country while facing these serious allegations.
The case represents a significant moment in Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining and hold prominent individuals accountable, regardless of their political or social standing.
The matter has been adjourned, with the court expected to set a date for further proceedings as investigations continue into the full extent of the alleged illegal mining operations.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
