Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's remarks defending Akonta Mining in 2023 have resurfaced following the conviction of the company's owner, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the Samreboi illegal mining case.

Speaking at a public event in 2023, Akufo-Addo rejected claims that Akonta Mining was involved in illegal mining activities.

BREAKING: Chairman Wontumi found guilty in Samreboi illegal mining case

He told the gathering that the company was not engaged in galamsey anywhere in the country.

"Before I take my seat, let me respond briefly to the chairperson on the issue of illegal mining. I want to assure him and all of you that Akonta Mining is not engaged in any illegal mining anywhere in Ghana as we speak,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited were found guilty by an Accra High Court in the Samreboi illegal mining case and convicted on all six counts.

Following the conviction, Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour.

BREAKING: Chairman Wontumi jailed 20 years in prison

The sentence was imposed despite pleas by his lawyers for mitigation, who argued that a prison term of between 15 and 25 years would be excessive.

@theghanaweb An emotional moment for Chairman Wontumi's spokesperson, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, after Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) was found guilty by an Accra High Court in the Samreboi illegal mining case. Wontumi was convicted on all six counts. His lawyers are currently pleading for mitigation, arguing that a prison sentence of between 15 and 25 years would be excessive. #ghanaweb #ghanawebtv ♬ original sound - GhanaWeb