Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, the Operations Manager of Akonta Mining, has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢10 million, with three sureties, with one to be justified.
Kwadwo Owusu Bempah is the fifth accused person in a case in which he is standing trial alongside Akonta Mining, 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 Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
He was earlier reported to be at large but was later arrested. However, speaking to the media, his lawyer, Andrew Vortia, disclosed that his client voluntarily presented himself to the police about three weeks ago.
He was granted bail but was re-arrested on Monday, January 12, after failing to report to the Police according to his Police enquiry bail.
At his appearance in court on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following his arrest, 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 forest reserve.
The prosecution’s case is that although Chairman Wontumi holds valid mining concessions at Samreboi and Abekoase in the Western Region, both of which are outside the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve—an application to mine within the reserve was rejected.
According to prosecutors, investigations indicate that despite the refusal, Chairman Wontumi allegedly entered the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, felled trees, and erected structures without authorisation.
Three of the accused persons, 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 of Akonta Mining, and Kwame Owusu Bempah were initially declared at large, according to the charge sheet.
While Mr. 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 further indicated its intention to amend the charge sheet to formally remove Mr. Akuoko as an accused person.
