Chairman Wontumi’s Home Stormed By National Security Operatives
- National Security operatives have stormed the residence of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
- Videos online have shown the combined team of National Security operatives and police officers at Boasiako's residence
- Boasiako's Akonta Mining has been stripped of its rights to mine in Ghana after being accused of illegal mining
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A combined team of National Security operatives and police officers has stormed the residence of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi.
Citi News reported that the operation on the morning of May 23 has seen the security personnel surround the premises. The reason for the raid remains unknown.
Source: Facebook
It is also not yet confirmed whether Boasiako is present in the house amid the raid.
Boasiako is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Joy News reported that the security personnel had an arrest warrant.
In April, the government revoked the license of his mining company, Akonta Mining Limited after the state accused it of illegal mining.
Akonta Mining has long been linked to illegal mining activities, especially in forest reserves.
When President John Mahama pledged to end mining in forest reserves during his victorious 2024 election campaign, Boasiako vowed to resist any such efforts.
At the time, he said his mining activities in the reserve were legal and backed by requisite documentation and authorisation from the authorities.
Despite Boasiako's claims, numerous reports have exposed harmful mining practices by Akonta Mining, especially in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
How has Wontumi reacted to the raid?
Boasiako accused President John Mahama of political persecution, claiming his businesses and financial operations have been deliberately targeted.
He further called on Ghanaians to back him amid the government scrutiny.
“Am I not a Ghanaian anymore? Now that you’ve won the election and become President, does that mean I’m no longer a Ghanaian?”
“Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way,” he declared, rallying support.
Earlier galamsey claims against Akonta mining
In 2022, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey had demanded the arrest and prosecution of Boasiako.
The group maintained that NPP’s Ashanti regional Chairman was guilty of illegal mining offences in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Source: Facebook
It said there was evidence that Akonta Mining violated the Minerals and Mining Act by mining closely along the banks of the Tano River.
The coalition also accused the previous Nana Akufo-Addo government of not showing a commitment to truly fight illegal mining.
President Akufo-Addo notably defended Boasiako and Akonta Mining at the time. The NPP executive also denied the claims against him.
How Akonta Mining responded to the claims
YEN.com.gh also reported that Akonta Mining denied engaging in illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
In a statement, the company called the allegations from the government false and misleading and stated that it was not responsible.
Akonta contended that the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources should be held accountable.
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Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
