Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman and businessman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, appeared before the High Court in Accra on Tuesday to face multiple charges linked to illegal mining activities on his company’s concession.
The case, which is being heard at the Criminal Division of the High Court presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, involves allegations that Wontumi unlawfully allowed two individuals to carry out mining operations on his company’s land without the necessary ministerial approval.
Prosecutors have filed three counts of assignment of mineral rights without approval and three counts of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation against him.
Wontumi, who is also the owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited, arrived in court with his lawyer as proceedings got underway. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Meanwhile, a second accused person connected to the case is currently at large, according to court reports.
The trial is taking place at Criminal Court 4 of the High Court, and the matter is expected to attract public interest due to the ongoing national crackdown on galamsey.
