Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has given the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, until Monday, October 6, 2025, to appear before authorities in Accra to answer charges relating to illegal mining activities by Akonta Mining Limited.
Chairman Wontumi, who has consistently denied involvement in illegal mining, first appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department in May this year accompanied by his legal team, including former Attorney-General Godfred Dame.
He has maintained that Akonta Mining operates with the necessary licenses and documentation.
However, Dr. Ayine revealed that charges have been formally prepared against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and five others following the retrieval of a long-suppressed police docket earlier this year.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining convened by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Friday, October 3, he stated that the docket had been concealed since 2002 but was only presented to his office two months ago.
“So as we speak, the charges against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining and five others have been signed as I speak. Currently, we are waiting for him to be read, his right to remain silent before, we’ve asked that he should be brought from Kumasi,” the Attorney-General said.
Although Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers have requested a Tuesday appearance, Dr. Ayine insisted he must report on Monday, stressing that any failure to comply will trigger an arrest warrant.
“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,” he declared.
The Attorney-General assured that measures are in place to ensure a speedy trial once proceedings commence.
