Wontumi’s agents operated mining equipment in Tano Nimiri forest – Investigator tells court

A police investigator has told the High Court that although former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, did not personally operate mining equipment in the Tano Nimiri Forest, individuals acting on his behalf engaged in mining activities in the area.

Chief Inspector Eugene Akpo Glover, the fourth prosecution witness in the case, maintained that evidence gathered during investigations linked Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, to the alleged illegal mining operations.

The investigator made the disclosures during cross-examination by Wontumi's lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, on Monday, October 26, 2026.

When questioned about the individuals considered central to the alleged offences, Chief Inspector Glover identified Wontumi, the second accused person, as a principal figure in the investigation.

“A2 (Wontumi) is a critical culprit in the ongoing investigation,” he told the court.

Investigator admits Wontumi did not personally operate mining equipment

During cross-examination, Mr Atta Akyea sought to establish whether the investigator had personally identified Wontumi operating mining machinery within the forest reserve.

Chief Inspector Glover acknowledged that the former NPP regional chairman had not personally operated any equipment at the site.

He nevertheless maintained that individuals acting as agents of Wontumi and Akonta Mining had carried out activities involving mining equipment.

The investigator identified two prosecution witnesses, PW1 and PW2, among those who allegedly operated the equipment.

Defence counsel subsequently questioned whether the individuals could have acted independently or contrary to instructions from their employer.

However, Chief Inspector Glover rejected that suggestion, insisting that their activities were undertaken in the interests and for the benefit of Akonta Mining and Wontumi.

He further alleged that Wontumi had instructed his agents to erect barriers and signposts within the forest, maintaining that evidence supporting those claims had already been presented to the court.

Defence challenges investigator's conclusions

Mr Atta Akyea also questioned the basis of the investigator's findings, suggesting that his conclusions were largely drawn from information received from other individuals rather than direct observations.

The witness disagreed, explaining that the investigation involved several methods of gathering and assessing evidence.

According to him, investigators conducted interviews, inspected the forest, reviewed documentary records and used drone surveillance to examine activities within the area.

He also referred to a caution statement obtained from Wontumi in 2021 and a letter allegedly written by PW1 to the Western Regional Security Council requesting assistance to remove illegal miners from the concession.

The investigator told the court that a copy of the letter had been handed to the Police during interrogation.

Defence counsel argued that the document demonstrated efforts by Wontumi and his associates to prevent illegal mining rather than encourage it.

Chief Inspector Glover, however, maintained that the letter did not alter the conclusions reached during the investigation.

Court hears allegations of restricted access to forest

The investigator further alleged that security personnel associated with Akonta Mining took control of portions of the Tano Nimiri Forest between August and September 2022.

According to his testimony, forest guards and other security personnel were prevented from entering the area without authorisation from the company's management.

He alleged that individuals seeking to undertake lawful activities within the forest were required to obtain permission and surrender their mobile phones before being allowed entry.

Chief Inspector Glover said the situation was documented in a police report forwarded to the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police.

He also told the court that video footage supporting the allegations had been tendered as evidence.

However, he acknowledged that the individual allegedly responsible for directing the security operations had not been arrested and remained at large.

Investigator insists prosecution has evidence

When defence counsel demanded proof linking Wontumi and Akonta Mining to the alleged illegal mining activities, Chief Inspector Glover maintained that investigators had obtained what he described as clear and convincing evidence.

He insisted that the relevant materials had been presented to the court as exhibits and that the prosecution's evidence had undergone verification.

The investigator also rejected suggestions that the materials relied upon were unreliable.

The testimony formed part of ongoing cross-examination aimed at testing the prosecution's case against Akonta Mining and Wontumi.

The assertions made by the investigator remain evidence for the court to assess and do not, by themselves, establish the criminal liability of either accused person.

Justice Rugby Aryeetey adjourned proceedings to Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. for continuation of the hearing.