The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has directed the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), to appear in Accra on Monday, October 6, to respond to charges linked to alleged illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Limited.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining convened by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Friday, October 3, Dr. Ayine confirmed that formal charges had been filed against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and five others after a previously concealed docket was handed over to his office by the police.
“Years ago, the police conducted very diligent investigations in respect of Akonta Mining. But the docket was hidden until we came to power… two months ago the police themselves presented the docket to my office. So as we speak, the charges against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining and five others have been signed,” he revealed.
The Attorney-General emphasized that Wontumi’s appearance on Monday is non-negotiable, despite appeals from his legal team for an extension.
“His lawyers asked that he should be brought on Tuesday, but I’m insisting that he should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come on Monday, I’m going to order for his arrest so that he’ll be brought to Accra, his rights will be read to him, and then we can start the prosecution,” Dr. Ayine cautioned.
He also assured stakeholders that special measures are being taken to fast-track the prosecution process and ensure accountability in the ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Chairman Wontumi, who first appeared before the CID in May on the same matter, has consistently denied any involvement in galamsey, maintaining that Akonta Mining operates legally under a valid large-scale mining license.