The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that the trial of Akonta Mining owner and New Patriotic Party's Regional Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, will commence on Monday, October 6, 2025, marking a significant step in the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining.

Dr. Ayine revealed that his office is also taking steps to repeal Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which currently regulates small-scale mining operations.

The move, he explained, forms part of wider reforms to strengthen the legal framework for addressing illegal mining activities.

In addition, the Attorney-General disclosed that plans are underway, in collaboration with the Chief Justice, to establish Specialised Galamsey Courts.

These courts will fast-track prosecutions and deliver swift justice to offenders, ensuring greater accountability in the mining sector.

The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to crack down on illegal mining, protect water resources, and safeguard the environment.

Meanwhile, the Director of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOs), Colonel Dominic Buah, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, their financiers, and accomplices, insisting that his outfit will intensify operations to flush them out.

Speaking at the Jubilee House during a meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Friday, Col. Buah vowed that NAIMOs would adopt a more uncompromising approach going forward.

“I am sending a warning, and Mr. President, with your permission, I want to send this message to the illegal miners, their assigns, and financiers: we are coming after them. We will smoke them out to make sure our waters are clean,” Col. Buah declared.

His remarks were warmly received by sections of the CSOs, who expressed support for the government’s renewed efforts to tackle the galamsey menace head-on.