A police investigator has told the Accra High Court that investigations into alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve linked Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to the operations.

Chief Inspector Eugene Akpor Glover, the third prosecution witness in the case, reportedly maintained that Wontumi directed mining activities in the protected forest reserve. The testimony came during cross-examination by defence lawyers on June 16, 2026.

The case involves allegations of unauthorised mining and other activities within the forest reserve in the Western Region. Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, and the other accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Investigator Links Wontumi to Alleged Mining Operations

During proceedings, Chief Inspector Glover told the court that his investigations linked Wontumi to instructions concerning mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

However, when questioned by defence counsel led by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, the investigator acknowledged that he had not personally witnessed Wontumi issuing the alleged instructions.

Despite this admission, the investigator maintained that the findings of his investigations supported the allegation that Wontumi directed the mining activities.

The testimony places the investigator’s findings at the centre of the ongoing proceedings, as the prosecution seeks to establish the allegations against the accused persons.

Akonta Mining Also Faces Charges

The case involves Wontumi, Akonta Mining Limited and other accused persons over alleged offences connected to activities in the protected forest reserve.

The charges include allegations relating to unauthorised mining, the alleged abetting of illegal activities and the unauthorised felling of trees or construction of structures within the reserve.

Akonta Mining Limited faces allegations concerning activities allegedly undertaken without the necessary written authority. Wontumi also faces charges relating to allegedly abetting the unauthorised felling of trees.

The prosecution is expected to rely on evidence presented in court to establish its case, while the defence has the opportunity to challenge the testimony and other evidence.

Defence Challenges the Investigator’s Account

An important aspect of the proceedings is the investigator’s admission that he did not personally witness Wontumi giving the alleged instructions.

The defence has questioned the evidence as part of its cross-examination, highlighting the need for the court to examine the basis of the investigator’s conclusions.

Evidence gathered during an investigation and a witness’s direct observations are distinct matters. The court will consider the testimony alongside the other evidence presented before reaching a decision.

The prosecution’s allegations have not, at this stage, established the guilt of the accused persons.

Tano Nimiri Case Remains Before the Court

The case has drawn public attention because of Wontumi’s political position and the wider concerns surrounding illegal mining and the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves.

The Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve is part of the country’s protected natural environment, and alleged mining activities in such areas raise concerns about forest conservation and the enforcement of environmental laws.

However, the specific allegations in this case must be determined through the judicial process rather than public opinion.

The investigator’s testimony represents part of the prosecution’s case. With the accused persons having pleaded not guilty, the court must assess the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

The proceedings will continue as the court examines the allegations against Wontumi, Akonta Mining Limited and the other accused persons.

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