By Ashiadey Dotse
Private Legal practitioner lawyer Martin Kpebu and Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey have petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, expressing frustration over delays in investigating Akonta Mining Ltd and its chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In their letter dated February 24, 2025, and addressed to CID Director-General COP Faustina Andoh-Kwofie, Kpebu and Ashigbey reminded the police that they initially submitted their complaint on October 13, 2022. However, since then, they have received no significant updates on the case, except for a single meeting in 2023. Their attempts to follow up—including a letter in 2024—have gone unanswered.
Allegations Against Akonta Mining
Akonta Mining and its chairman, Wontumi, who is also the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), are accused of engaging in illegal mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. This allegedly violates the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its 2019 amendment (Act 995). Environmental activists and civil society groups have strongly condemned illegal mining, calling for stricter enforcement of the law to protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
Kpebu and Ashigbey believe the case is being unnecessarily delayed and have questioned the commitment of law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable. “We urge you to kindly update us on the case at your earliest convenience,” their letter stated, emphasizing the need for transparency.
The letter was also sent to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the media to keep public attention on the issue.
Illegal mining, known as “galamsey”, remains a major challenge in Ghana, causing deforestation, water pollution, and destruction of farmlands. The government has launched multiple campaigns to stop the practice, but enforcement has been inconsistent. Many critics argue that politically connected individuals often avoid prosecution, raising concerns about justice and fairness in the fight against illegal mining.
