The fight against illegal mining continues, and the the Ghanaian government has taken another significant step to revoke the operating license of Akonta Mining Ltd., owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi. This move was announced by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Sammy Gyamfi, the Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), has added his voice to the ongoing galamsey combating operations. He expressed confidence in President Mahama’s approach, stating that “the day of reckoning for Chairman Wontumi and his ilk has come.”
In a recent social media post monitored by Ghana Insider News, Sammy Gyamfi wrote: “The day of reckoning for Chairman Wontumi and his ilk has come. @JDMahama means business. Together with well-meaning Ghanaians, we shall win the fight against illegal mining and preserve our environment”.
The government’s intervention follows a joint operation by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission. In this operation, six illegal mining sites associated with Akonta Mining, linked to Chairman Wontumi were uncovered.
During a press briefing on April 21, 2025, Minister Buah detailed the intelligence-led effort that led to the discovery of these sites and the alarming reports from local residents. Many expressed concerns about Akonta Mining’s forceful operations, which have reportedly damaged farmlands and undermined the livelihoods of local farmers.
The crackdown on illegal mining included a large-scale operation that lasted approximately 12 hours and concluded with multiple arrests. Authorities were able to detain 51 individuals, including eight Chinese citizens and several Ghanaian men and women. The operation also resulted in the seizure of approximately 30 excavators, multiple vehicles, and various firearms, all linked to the illegal mining efforts.
Further reports prove that the suspects have been transported to Accra, where they are currently in custody pending prosecution.
