The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been charged alongside two others for their alleged involvement in illegal mining operations connected to Akonta Mining Limited.

The accused are facing six charges, including assigning a mining concession without prior written approval from the Minister and facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

The two others implicated in the case are Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large and identified as a co-owner and director of Akonta Mining, and the company Akonta Mining Limited itself.

According to the charge sheet, the allegations relate to mining activities undertaken by the company in Samreboi, a community in Ghana’s Western Region, where operations were reportedly conducted without the requisite authorisation.

The case adds to ongoing national efforts to curb illegal mining (galamsey), which has had devastating effects on the environment, water bodies, and local communities.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing mining laws and holding all offenders accountable, regardless of status or political affiliation.

Proceedings are expected to continue as investigators pursue the arrest of the second accused, still at large.