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Ex-Akonta Mining Manager Testifies Wontumi Ordered Permitless Mining in Ghana Forest Reserve

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Chairman Wontumi directed us to mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without a permit – Former Akonta Mining GM
Chairman Wontumi and Edward Akuoko of Akonta mining.
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Edward Akwasi Akuoko (Edward Akuoko), the former General Manager of Akonta Mining Company Limited, has publicly stated that Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), the owner of the company and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), directed mining operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the necessary permits. Akuoko made these claims in media interviews on November 5, 2025, after the Attorney General withdrew all charges against him on November 3, 2025, in exchange for him becoming a state prosecution witness in the ongoing case against Wontumi and Akonta Mining. http://newsghana.com.gh

Key Details from Akuoko’s Statements

  • He admitted that Akonta Mining “failed to complete necessary documentation” for operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, and this will form part of his upcoming testimony.
  • Akuoko explicitly alleged: “Chairman Wontumi directed us to move in and mine in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without a mining permit.”
  • He decided to testify out of “personal interest,” citing advice that Wontumi might receive a presidential pardon if convicted (due to political connections), while he (Akuoko) could be “abandoned” and jailed.
  • He also claimed NPP leaders showed solidarity only toward Wontumi during their arrests, ignoring him.
  • Akuoko insisted he would “speak the truth” and not lie against Wontumi, emphasizing his decision was about doing “what is right” rather than betrayal.

Background on the Case

Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and others (including two at large) face allegations of mining without a license, felling trees in a forest reserve without authorization, erecting structures illegally, and causing environmental damage to over 13 hectares of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve (including polluting the Tano River) in 2022.

Court Updates: Two related cases are ongoing.

  1.  (Samreboi concession) is adjourned to November 12, 2025.
  2. The Tano Nimiri case to December 4, 2025.

Wontumi has pleaded not guilty and is on bail (GHS 15 million for one case, GHS 10 million for the other).

Historical Context:

  • Akonta Mining’s license was revoked in April 2025 over illegal operations.
  • Wontumi has denied wrongdoing, claiming the company halted operations years ago and accusing political targeting.
  • His lawyer says Akuoko’s testimony won’t significantly impact the case.http://yen.com.gh

This development has sparked widespread discussion on socials and in Ghanaian media, with many viewing it as a major blow to Wontumi amid the country’s anti-galamsey (illegal mining) efforts.

Akuoko has not yet testified in court; his full evidence is expected in upcoming hearings. The case highlights ongoing tensions over political figures’ involvement in mining and environmental destruction in Ghana.

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Ibrahim Mahama Adds $56 Million Bombardier Global 6500 to Jet Fleet

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Ghanaian business mogul Ibrahim Mahama has acquired a brand-new Bombardier Global
Ibrahim Mahama has acquired a brand-new Bombardier Global 6500 (credit: GH Hyper)
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Ghanaian businessman mogul Ibrahim Mahama, the CEO of Engineers & Planners with net worth estimated at $750 million to $860 million and a prominent figure in mining, construction, and other industries, has reportedly added a Bombardier Global 6500 to his private jet fleet. This news broke on March 3, 2026, and has generated significant buzz on social media in Ghana.

The Bombardier Global 6500 is an ultra-long-range business jet known for its luxury, with a range of about 6,600 nautical miles, allowing non-stop flights across continents (e.g., Accra to London or farther).

It features spacious cabins, high-speed connectivity, and advanced performance. New models typically list around $56–73 million depending on customization, configuration, and market conditions—reports vary, with some citing $56 million and others around $70 million for this acquisition.

The jet is customized with a sleek grey and white livery and prominently features his signature “Dzata” branding (meaning “lion” in a local Ghanaian context, tied to his business empire).

 

Social media posts showed him boarding or posing with the aircraft, with captions celebrating the upgrade as a symbol of success. This appears to be an addition or upgrade to his existing fleet—he previously owned a Bombardier Challenger 604 (often referred to as “Dzata”) and possibly others, with some sources calling this his third private jet.

Reactions are mixed: admiration for his wealth and business achievements (“money na water,” “Dzata sika”), alongside typical online debates about extravagance in Ghana’s economic context.

Ibrahim Mahama is the brother of Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, which has fueled past discussions about private jet use (including; presidential travel borrowing family aircraft), but this purchase seems personal/business-related with no direct public funds link mentioned

 

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Denmark becomes first country in the European Union to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis

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Denmark becomes first in the EU to reach this dual certification for HIV and syphilis
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Denmark has become the first country in the European Union to achieve the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (also known as vertical transmission) of HIV and syphilis, as certified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

This milestone was officially announced by WHO on February 27, 2026. The certification recognizes Denmark’s sustained efforts to ensure every child is born free from these infections, based on rigorous validation processes including:

    • A regional assessment in June 2025
    • Global review by WHO’s Global Validation Advisory Committee (GVAC) in August 2025

Denmark met WHO’s strict criteria for the period 2021–2024, including:

    • Very low transmission rates
    • High coverage (at least 95%) of prenatal testing and treatment for pregnant women
    • Keeping new infant infections below 50 per 100,000 live births consistently

(more…)

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Ghana Military Rescues 71 Fishermen from Pirates

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Ghana Navy foils pirate attack on fishing vessel
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    • The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), led by the Navy and supported by the Air Force, successfully completed a search-and-rescue operation on Thursday, February 26, 2026, safely bringing ashore all 71 Ghanaian fishermen who were attacked and left stranded at sea the previous night.

The incident unfolded late Wednesday, February 25, into early Thursday, when armed gunmen (described by survivors as wielding AK-47s, firing warning shots, holding the men at gunpoint, and in some accounts speaking with possible Nigerian accents) targeted multiple fishing canoes approximately 35 nautical miles offshore near Senya Bereku (Senya Beraku or near Gomoa Nyanyano) in Ghana’s Central Region.

PRESS RELEASE
GHANA ARMED FORCES RESCUES STRANDED FISHERMEN AT SEA

The attackers robbed the boats of outboard motors (engines), generators, fuel, and other valuables before fleeing, leaving the fishermen adrift without means of propulsion in the Gulf of Guinea. No hostages were taken, and thankfully, there were no reported deaths or major injuries from the assault itself. Distress calls—enabled by remaining phone batteries and communication—prompted a swift response.

The GAF launched the operation at dawn Thursday, involving naval vessels (including fast interceptor boats from the Special Boat Squadron and ships from Eastern and Western Naval Commands), air support from the Ghana Air Force, Marine Police, NADMO, local authorities, and even assistance from nearby fishing communities like Senya Bereku and Nyanyano. By morning:

      • 47 fishermen were landed directly at Senya Bereku.
      • 24 were evacuated to Tema in the Greater Accra Region.

 

The Ghana Armed Forces has successfully concluded search and rescue operations for distressed Ghanaian fishermen attacked by armed robbers at sea. (Credit: Ghana Navy Public Relations)

The fishermen involved received medical checks at a nearby hospital and were discharged. The boats involved reportedly included names like Argentina 2, Argentina 3, Sea Lion, and Berema Nsukwa.

 

The MP for Awutu Senya West, Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, expressed gratitude on social media, thanking the Office of the President, Ministry of Defence, National Security, Ghana Navy, Army, Police (including Marine Police), NADMO, regional and district administrations, the Senya Canoe Owners Association, and all involved.

 

The District Chief Executive Kalala Nyamekye Eghan and other officials confirmed the safe return and noted an ongoing investigation into the “armed sea robbery” (a term commonly used locally for such incidents, distinct from full kidnapping piracy).

This event underscores persistent maritime security challenges in parts of the Gulf of Guinea, where sea robberies targeting small fishing vessels remain a concern, often involving theft of equipment rather than prolonged hostage situations. Proud of the quick, coordinated effort by our forces—everyone home safe is the best outcome.

 

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