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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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Mahama Tours Media Houses, Condemns Assault on Reporter

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Pres. John Mahama
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On January 8, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama began a nationwide tour of selected media houses in Ghana, starting with a visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Accra. The tour aims to promote accountability, strengthen public trust, and enhance cooperation between the government and the media.
During the visit, President Mahama strongly condemned recent attacks on journalists, particularly the assault on a Class Media Group (Class FM) reporter, Samuel Addo, allegedly by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on January 5, 2026. As a trained journalist himself, Mahama described such violence as “unacceptable” and stated that it “has no place in a democratic society.” He emphasized that his administration will not tolerate assaults on media professionals performing their duties.
He confirmed that the involved GNFS officers have been identified and interdicted, with ongoing investigations to ensure accountability. The President vowed to crack down on attacks against journalists and pledged a safe working environment for media practitioners.
This incident and Mahama’s response have drawn widespread support, including from organizations like the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), which praised his prompt action.

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Mahama’s New Year Address Calls for Unity and 2026 Reforms

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President of Ghana
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On January 1, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama delivered his New Year’s message to the nation from the Jubilee House in Accra, reflecting on the progress made in his administration’s first year in office (following the 2024 elections) and outlining an ambitious vision for the year ahead.

The President declared that Ghana is “rising again” after inheriting a nation in economic distress in January 2025.

He highlighted achievements such as sharp reductions in inflation (projected to end 2025 in single digits around 5%), relative currency stability, restored business confidence, and prudent debt renegotiations, all under the government’s Reset Agenda.

A central theme was national unity. President Mahama passionately urged Ghanaians to transcend partisan divisions, stating:
“There is no NPP Ghana. There is no NDC Ghana. There is only one Ghana.”

He called for rejecting divisive politics, embracing mutual respect, and focusing on collective nation-building, emphasizing that “we are one people with a shared destiny” and that the Reset is for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

Looking to 2026, Mahama unveiled a bold roadmap for accelerated reforms and development, including:

  • Strengthening social protection and universal health coverage via free primary healthcare.
  • Economic transformation through job creation, agricultural mechanization, and value addition.
  • Affordable social housing via public-private partnerships.
  • 30% renewable energy in the national mix to reduce costs and promote sustainability.
  • Intensified anti-corruption efforts with “no sacred cows.”
  • Implementation of Constitutional Review Committee recommendations to deepen democracy.
  • Continued digitalization in education and infrastructure improvements.

The address positioned 2026 as a year of scaling up initiatives for inclusive growth, accountability, and positioning Ghana as a leader in African democratic renewal through initiatives like the Accra Reset Initiative presented at the UN.

The message resonated widely, with analysts noting its focus on governance reset and shared responsibility, concluding with a call for hope, prosperity, peace, and progress in 2026.

 

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Ghanaian Prophet Predicts Black Stars World Cup Finals Glory

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Renowned Ghanaian prophet Nigel Gaisie has declared during his church’s 31st-night crossover service on December 31, 2025 (into January 1, 2026), that Ghana’s Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He stated confidently: “The Black Stars will reach the final of the 2026 World Cup,” envisioning a historic performance for the team in the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

This comes as Ghana is drawn in a tough Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama, and is set for their fifth World Cup appearance after qualifying.

The prophecy has generated buzz across Ghanaian media and social platforms, with many fans excited about the prospect of glory—especially after past disappointments like early exits in 2014 and 2022.

 

The big questions

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has consistently warned religious leaders against delivering prophecies that cause fear, alarm, or panic during crossover (31st-night) services, a policy in place for several years under Ghanaian law (e.g., offenses related to false publications or misleading communications, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment).

While no new explicit police statement was issued specifically for December 31, 2025, the longstanding caution remains in effect.

This was reinforced through actions like the arrest of self-proclaimed prophet Evans Eshun (aka Ebo Noah) on December 31, 2025, for his doomsday flood predictions that caused widespread public panic.

Ebo Noah

Evans Eshun (aka Ebo Noah)

Additionally, the National Peace Council urged prophets in late December 2025 to deliver messages “tactfully” and measurably to avoid disturbing public peace.

Regarding Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy about the Black Stars reaching the 2026 World Cup final (delivered during his 31st-night service), it appears to have been a positive, hopeful declaration rather than one inducing fear. Such uplifting prophecies typically do not fall under the police’s primary concerns, which focus on doom, death, or disaster predictions.

No reports indicate police action against Nigel Gaisie for this specific prophecy. He has historically pushed back against such warnings, often proceeding with his declarations (sometimes in coded form in past years).

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