Edward Akwasi Akuoko, former Managing Director of Akonta Mining, has asserted that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, did not complete the formal process to acquire the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve concession.
The Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, reportedly invaded by Chairman Wontumi and his team for illegal gold mining, is currently under government prosecution led by the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama.
In an interview with Adom TV monitored by Kumasimail, Akuoko clarified that the legal case involving him and Chairman Wontumi is not about Akonta Mining’s concession but specifically relates to the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
He stated, “Myself and Chairman Wontumi’s case is not about Akonta Mining concession but about Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
“And with Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, Chairman Wontumi did not complete the process to take the concession, that is a fact. He, Chairman Wontumi, has even admitted it,” he added.
When asked if his comments could be seen as a betrayal of Chairman Wontumi, Akuoko strongly denied the notion.
He said, “Never. Anyone who says so does not truly understand me. Maybe Chairman Wontumi is their relative, and they think about him more than me.
If I am their relative in other way round, would they really wish I go to jail because of Chairman Wontumi? Only such a person can answer that. If their answer is fair, then I would acknowledge a fair assessment,” he noted.
Background:
On October 7, 2025, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was arraigned once again on charges concerning alleged illegal mining activities conducted by Akonta Mining Limited.
Chairman Wontumi faces the charges along with four others: the mining company itself, Akonta Mining Limited; its General Manager, Edward Akuoko; Operations Manager Kwadwo Owusu Bempah; and co-director Kwame Antwi. Notably, Bempah and Antwi remain at large.
The defendants are accused of undertaking mining operations without a license, unauthorized felling of trees in a forest reserve, abetting illegal tree felling, and erecting buildings within the forest reserve without approval.
According to the charge sheet, Akonta Mining Limited, registered in 2010, is jointly owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako and Kwame Antwi. However, prosecutors allege that Chairman Wontumi has exercised sole operational control of the company since its formation. Efforts continue to verify the identity or existence of the registered co-director.
The Ghana Police Service investigation was initiated following petitions alleging that Akonta Mining was engaging in illegal mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the required permits and authorization.
This prosecution furthers government efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey,” which have had significant environmental impacts across Ghana’s forest reserves.
