Legal Petition Calls for Action Against Akonta Mining Over Alleged Illegal Activities

Accra, Ghana, February 24, 2025

Renowned lawyer Martin Kpebu has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, urging an update on the investigation and prosecution of Akonta Mining and its chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), over alleged illegal mining activities.

In a formal letter addressed to COP Faustina Andoh Kwofie, Kpebu expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case, which was initially filed on October 13, 2022. The petition accuses Akonta Mining and its executives of engaging in illegal mining within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

The lawyer, acting on behalf of two of the four complainants, stated that despite initial engagements, including a meeting in 2023, follow-up attempts to obtain updates ”most recently in 2024 ”have been unsuccessful. He expressed concern that the case appears to be unnecessarily delayed and urged the CID to provide updates at the earliest convenience.

The petition highlights growing concerns about illegal mining, or galamsey, which has been a major issue in Ghana due to its environmental and economic impact. Authorities are yet to respond to the latest request for updates on the case.