The Operations Manager of Akonta Mining, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10 million with three sureties, one of whom must be justified, by a court hearing the high-profile illegal mining case linked to the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Owusu Bempah is the fifth accused person standing trial alongside Akonta Mining, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—Kwame Antwi, and Edward Akuoko over alleged illegal mining activities in the protected forest area.
He had earlier been reported to be at large but was later arrested. However, his lawyer, Andrew Vortia, told the media that his client voluntarily presented himself to the police about three weeks ago. Owusu Bempah was initially granted police enquiry bail but was re-arrested on Monday, January 12, after failing to report to the police as required under the bail conditions.
At his court appearance on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Owusu Bempah pleaded not guilty to charges of undertaking mining operations without a licence, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees, and abetting the unauthorised erection of structures within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The prosecution contends that although Chairman Wontumi holds valid mining concessions at Samreboi and Abekoase in the Western Region—both outside the forest reserve—an application to mine within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve was rejected. Prosecutors allege that despite this refusal, Chairman Wontumi unlawfully entered the reserve, felled trees, and erected structures without authorisation.
According to the charge sheet, Chairman Wontumi, described as a shareholder representing Akonta Mining, and Edward Akuoko, the company’s General Manager, were arrested and arraigned before the court. Kwame Antwi, another shareholder, and Owusu Bempah were initially declared at large. While Owusu Bempah has since been arrested, Kwame Antwi remains at large.
Meanwhile, in November 2025, the state informed the court of its decision to withdraw charges against Edward Akuoko and to use him as a prosecution witness. The prosecution has also indicated plans to amend the charge sheet to formally remove Mr. Akuoko as an accused person.
