The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of another individual alongside New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over the operations of Akonta Mining.
CID Director-General, DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, disclosed the update at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, June 30, 2025.
She noted that investigations into Akonta Mining, which is owned by Chairman Wontumi, are still ongoing and that more individuals are being questioned.
“Chairman Wontumi has visited us a couple of times. He was supposed to return last week, but his lawyer informed us he was unwell. We believe he is better now because we have scheduled another meeting this week,” she said.
DCOP Donkor added that Wontumi is not the only person of interest. A man identified as Akuoko, believed to be a partner in the mining company, was also arrested last week and detained for questioning. His statement has since been taken.
Chairman Wontumi first appeared before the CID on May 26, 2025, in the company of his legal team, including former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame and former MP Andy Appiah-Kubi.
The Akonta Mining boss has consistently denied involvement in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Speaking on Wontumi TV, he said, “I want to tell the public that I am not into galamsey. I run a licensed, large-scale mining company, and I have all the required documents to prove it.”
The CID says the public will be informed once investigations conclude.
