Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has expressed his displeasure over a search that was orchestrated by national security operatives at his residence today.

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A search warrant was provided for a search, but the reason for the search is not yet known to the public.

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Engaging the media with support from party stalwarts, Chairman Wontumi quizzed the government over what he described as unfair treatment.

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"Am I not a Ghanaian anymore? Now that you've won the election and become President, does that mean I’m no longer a Ghanaian?”

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“Was I ever a Vice President? Have I ever chaired a board? Have I ever been a CEO? Was I ever a minister? I am only the chairman of a political party, and it is my duty to campaign for my party.”

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He accused the government of going after his businesses.

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“You collapsed my business back in 2013. Since you assumed office, you’ve halted all my operations. Even the bank account I rely on has been frozen,” he alleged.

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He entreated members of the general public, particularly members of the New Patriotic Party to throw their weight behind him.

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“Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way.”

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The search comes after Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Buah, ordered the immediate revocation of Akonta Mining’s licenses, citing allegations of illegal mining and other violations.

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During the press briefing, he accused the company of being involved in galamsey operations and breaching mining regulations.

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Buah also claimed that Akonta Mining was illegally selling mining concessions within the Aboi Forest to unauthorized miners, charging up to GH₵300,000 per concession, with some payments reportedly made in gold royalties.

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Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Chairman Wontumi, has taken legal action against the Minerals Commission and the Minister of Lands, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, claiming GH₵20 million in damages.

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The company alleges that during a press conference on April 22, Minister Buah made defamatory remarks, accusing Akonta Mining of illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

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The company has strongly denied these accusations, asserting that its mining leases, which were granted in 2021, cover areas outside of the protected reserve.

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The lawsuit, filed at the Accra High Court on April 24, 2025, argues that the minister's statements were false and damaging to its reputation.

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