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Martin Kpebu Petitions CID Over Delayed Investigations Into Wontumi’s Akonta Mining
The petition accuses Akonta Mining and its chairman of engaging in illegal mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, allegedly in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995). The activities, if proven, would constitute a serious breach of Ghana’s environmental and mining regulations.
Prominent Ghanaian lawyer Martin Kpebu has formally petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, seeking an update on the stalled investigation into alleged illegal mining activities by Akonta Mining and its chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a letter dated February 24, 2025, addressed to COP Faustina Andoh Kwofie, Kpebu expressed deep concern over the lack of progress in the case, which was initially brought to the CID’s attention on October 13, 2022. Kpebu, representing two of the four complainants in the matter, highlighted the absence of significant developments since the petition was first filed.
“Apart from a single meeting held in 2023, there has been no meaningful update on the case,” Kpebu stated. He further noted that repeated attempts to obtain information, including a follow-up letter sent in 2024, had yielded no results.
The petition accuses Akonta Mining and its chairman of engaging in illegal mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, allegedly in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995). The activities, if proven, would constitute a serious breach of Ghana’s environmental and mining regulations.
Kpebu voiced his frustration over what he described as deliberate delays in the investigation, urging the CID to expedite the process. “It is our firm belief that this case appears to be unnecessarily stalling. We urge you to kindly update us on it at your earliest convenience,” he wrote.
The lack of progress in the investigation has raised concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms against illegal mining, a persistent issue in Ghana that has significant environmental, social, and economic repercussions.
As of now, the CID has yet to issue a public response to Kpebu’s latest appeal. The outcome of this petition could have broader implications for the fight against illegal mining and the enforcement of environmental laws in Ghana.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
