Chief Executive Officer of Akonta Mining Ltd, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has strongly refuted fresh claims linking him to illegal mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Wontumionline.com, Chairman Wontumi issued a warning to legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, accusing him of spreading falsehoods that seek to damage his reputation.
“You can tell 1000 lies but that doesn’t make it the truth,” Chairman Wontumi said, urging Kpebu to uphold integrity and refrain from public comments that, he claims, are defamatory. “We are not mining — and have never mined — in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve,” he stated emphatically.
His comments follow what he describes as a deliberate attempt to drag his name into ongoing debates about illegal mining, locally referred to as galamsey, in protected forest areas.
Adding clarity to the company’s operations, the management of Akonta Mining Ltd also released a detailed statement addressing the matter.
The company said it operates legally and under the authority of the Minerals Commission. “Akonta Mining is a lawfully registered large-scale mining company, operating under valid leases and permits,” the statement emphasized, pointing to its documented adherence to environmental responsibility.
The company highlighted a specific instance to reinforce its position.
“In a letter dated 29th April 2021, addressed to the Chairman of the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Akonta Mining formally expressed our gratitude for the removal of illegal miners from our concession and outlined our intent to embark on a six-month backfilling and reclamation exercise to close the dangerous pits left behind by illegal miners — even before commencing full-scale operations.”
They insisted that any activities within the forest reserve fall strictly under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“We are not responsible for the activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. That responsibility lies solely with the Forestry Commission and the Ministry,” the statement added. “It is deeply concerning that state institutions are shifting blame onto a private company that has never been granted access to the said forest area.”
