I have never and will never engage in galamsey – Chairman Wontumi slams Lands Minister

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He has denied allegations of involvement in illegal mining, or galamsey.

Chairman Wontumi called these allegations baseless. He believes they are an attempt by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to damage his reputation and that of the NPP. He accused the government and Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, of trying to frame him.

Wontumi stated, “When they (NDC) came they were talking about galamsey. Now they want to accuse me.” He assured supporters during a ‘Thank You Tour’ that he does not engage in galamsey. “It is all lies by the Minister,” he added. He emphasized that he runs a legitimate business with proper licenses.

Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah held a press conference on illegal mining issues. He mentioned arrests made in August 2022 related to Akonta Mining encroaching on forest reserves. The case was transferred to Accra for further action but no updates have been provided.

Buah described Akonta Mining as a criminal syndicate selling access to illegal miners for GHC 300,000 per concession. These miners operate under Akonta’s protection, harming the River Tano and nearby forests without consequences.

He revealed that investigators went undercover to gather information about this operation. They discovered a system facilitating destruction led by Mr. Ayisi from Akonta Mining, who negotiated fees for illegal access.

The concessions were subleased to individuals like “Mr Henry” and “Shark.” They oversee activities damaging the Aboi Forest Reserve and Tano River while paying weekly royalties of 250 grams of gold to Akonta Mining.

Following these revelations, Minister Buah revoked the mining license of Akonta Mining Limited owned by Chairman Wontumi.