The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen the accounts of Bernard Antwi Boasiako alias Chairman Wontumi, the owner of Akonta Mining and Ashanti Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), GhanaWeb has learnt.
Information available to GhanaWeb also indicate that all bank accounts related to the embattled mining firm, Akonta Mining have been frozen by the FIC.
The FIC, as per a document sighted by GhanaWeb is acting in accordance with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020
“FREEZING OF ACCOUNTS – 1. BERNARD ANTWI BOASIAKO (a.k.a. CHAIRMAN WONTUMI) •
2. AKONTA MINING
3. HALLMARK CIVIL ENGINEERING LIMITED
“In accordance with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), you are hereby directed to immediately freeze all accounts in relation to and in association with the above-named subjects pending further directives,” parts of a letter from the FIC to the relevant financial institutions read.
Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company have been in the news recently following the revocation of the license of the firm by the Minerals Commission, acting on the orders of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
At a press conference held on Monday, April 21, 2025, lands minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah described Akonta Mining Company as a criminal syndicate, allegedly undertaking criminal activities in Ghana’s forests.
The FIC, under the leadership of Ing. Kwadwo Twum Boafo has stepped up efforts against money laundering, making some bold and decisive moves.
It will be recalled that the FIC in March froze the accounts of businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye and his companies’ following investigations into his activities.
AM/KA
Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb’s tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below: