A petition has been filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service by prominent lawyer Martin Kpebu and Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay in investigating Akonta Mining Ltd and its chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Apexnewsgh reports
The investigation, which began in October 2022, concerns alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
According to the petition, dated February 24, 2025, Kpebu and Ashigbey have received little to no updates on the progress of the investigations, despite a meeting with authorities in 2023 and a follow-up letter in 2024. The petitioners are concerned that the case appears to be stalling unnecessarily, raising questions about the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable.
Akonta Mining and its chairman, Wontumi, have been at the center of controversy for allegedly engaging in illegal mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act. These allegations have fueled public outcry, with civil society groups and environmental advocates calling for stricter enforcement of mining laws to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
The issue of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” has been a major concern in Ghana, contributing to environmental degradation, deforestation, and water pollution. While the government has launched various campaigns to curb illegal mining, enforcement has been inconsistent, with critics arguing that politically connected individuals often escape prosecution.
Kpebu and Ashigbey’s petition emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in handling the matter, urging the CID to update them on the case at their earliest convenience. The letter was also copied to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the media, signaling the petitioners’ intention to ensure that the issue remains in the public domain.
