The Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has confirmed that charges against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and five others have been signed, paving the way for prosecution over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining Limited.
Speaking at President John Dramani Mahama’s engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on illegal mining in Accra on Friday, October 3, 2025, Dr. Ayine revealed that the legal process is ready to begin.
“As we speak, the charges against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and five others have been signed. We are only waiting for him to be read his rights, after which prosecution will commence,” he said.
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He added that Chairman Wontumi has been directed to report to Accra on Monday, October 6, 2025, for the formal reading of charges. According to him, while Wontumi’s legal team had requested an extension to Tuesday, the Attorney-General insisted the process would begin without delay.
“If he does not appear on Monday, I will order his arrest so he is brought to Accra, his rights read, and the prosecution started,” Dr. Ayine stressed.
The Attorney-General further disclosed that investigations into Akonta Mining date back to 2002, but information had previously been suppressed. “When we assumed office, we struggled to access the necessary records. Eventually, the police themselves admitted this and forwarded the docket to my office two months ago,” he explained.
To fast-track the prosecution of illegal mining cases, Dr. Ayine said special arrangements are being put in place. He noted that the Chief Justice has agreed to assign specialised courts for galamsey-related trials.
He also announced that Cabinet is set to approve a Public Tribunals Bill to give circuit tribunals exclusive jurisdiction over mining cases, with strict timelines for adjudication. “On Tuesday, Cabinet will meet and approve the Bill, which will then go to Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
If the tribunals are established by December, most circuit tribunals will be empowered to handle mining cases exclusively. We will appoint chairpersons and panel members and set clear timelines to prevent undue delays,” Dr. Ayine stated.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem