“I’m not involved in galamsey and will never do galamsey” – Wontumi claims

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

Chairman Wontumi stated he is not involved in galamsey and never will be. He accused the Lands Minister of lying about him. He insists he has a legitimate license for his mining operations.

During the NPP “Thank You Tour,” he said, “When they (NDC) came, they talked about galamsey. Now they want to frame me with it, which is not true.” He emphasized that he does not engage in galamsey activities.

His comments followed a statement from Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. The minister revealed that he authorized the Minerals Commission to revoke Akonta Mining Co. Ltd's lease immediately.

The Lands Minister held a press conference where he shared concerns from residents. They reported that Akonta Mining uses force to destroy farmlands and crops of local farmers.

On Good Friday, April 17, 2025, police and forestry officials raided six illegal mining sites linked to Akonta Mining. Due to overwhelming evidence, the minister confirmed the lease revocation process for Akonta Mining Co. Ltd.

Additionally, reports indicate that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all accounts belonging to Chairman Wontumi.