The Attorney General has directed the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party to appear in court on Monday, October 6, to face criminal charges related to illegal mining—warning that failure to comply will result in immediate arrest.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, said his office has completed formal charges against Bernard Antwi Boasiako—widely known as Chairman Wontumi—as well as Akonta Mining Company and five additional individuals. The charges stem from investigations linking the group to unlawful mining operations within protected forest reserves.

The move marks a significant escalation in the West African nation’s fight against “galamsey,” the local term for illegal small-scale mining, which has caused widespread environmental damage and drawn public outcry in recent years.

Akonta Mining, a company linked to Chairman Wontumi, came under scrutiny after government officials disclosed that the firm had been operating within the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves—despite being licensed only for off-reserve mining. In April, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources revoked the company’s license following the revelations. Akonta Mining has denied the allegations.

Dr. Ayine revealed the case had stalled due to what he described as deliberate suppression of key investigation documents under the previous administration.

“In 2022, the police conducted a thorough investigation into Akonta Mining,” he said Friday during a briefing with civil society leaders at the Flagstaff House. “But the dockets were hidden until we assumed office. Two months ago, the police finally submitted the documents to my office.”

The Attorney General confirmed that charges against Wontumi and his associates have been signed and are ready for court proceedings. According to Ayine, Wontumi’s legal team requested a Tuesday appearance, but the state has insisted on Monday.

“If he does not come on Monday, I am going to order his arrest so that he is brought to Accra and then we can begin prosecution,” Dr. Ayine stated.