You can tell 1000 lies, but that doesn’t make it the truth – Wontumi warns Kpebu

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the CEO of Akonta Mining Ltd. He has denied new claims linking him to illegal mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

In an interview with Wontumionline.com, he warned lawyer Martin Kpebu. He accused Kpebu of spreading falsehoods that harm his reputation.

“You can tell 1000 lies but that doesn’t make it the truth,” he stated. He urged Kpebu to maintain integrity and avoid defamatory comments. “We are not mining — and have never mined — in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve,” he emphasized.

His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about illegal mining, or galamsey, in protected areas.

Akont Mining Ltd also released a statement clarifying its operations. The company operates legally under the authority of the Minerals Commission. “Akonta Mining is a lawfully registered large-scale mining company,” they stated, highlighting their compliance with environmental regulations.

To support their position, they referenced a letter from April 29, 2021. In this letter, they thanked the Western Regional Security Council for removing illegal miners from their concession. They also mentioned plans for backfilling and reclamation before starting full-scale operations.

The company asserted that any activities in the forest reserve are managed by the Forestry Commission and Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

“We are not responsible for activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve,” they said. “That responsibility lies solely with these state institutions.” They expressed concern over being blamed for actions in an area where they have no access rights.