Chairman Wontumi returns to court over Tano Nimri mining case
An Accra court has adjourned to July 31, 2026, the trial involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited over alleged illegal mining activities.
Chairman Wontumi, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence in a separate illegal mining case, was brought before the court on Wednesday under the escort of officers from the Ghana Prisons Service.
Proceedings were adjourned after defence counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, presented a letter seeking additional time. The court granted the request and fixed July 31 for the next hearing.
Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited have been charged over alleged mining operations without a licence within the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
The prosecution further alleges that the accused unlawfully felled about 300 merchantable trees in the forest reserve and constructed structures there without obtaining written approval from the Forestry Commission.