…Wontumi Waits; Two Dead, 1,340 Residents Displaced as Lawyers Dance
By Prince Ahenkorah
Residents of Samreboi in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region are grappling with one of the worst flooding disasters in recent years as torrential rains have left large sections of the community submerged, claiming two lives and displacing more than 1,340 people.
The devastating floods come at a time when Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining, are awaiting judgment in a high-profile legal battle over allegations of illegal mining activities in the Samreboi area.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days caused the Samre River to overflow its banks, sending floodwaters into homes and farmlands across the community. Families were forced to flee their homes as water levels continued to rise, destroying properties and disrupting livelihoods.
Aerial footage from the affected areas reveals a grim picture of submerged houses, inundated roads, and vast stretches of farmland covered by muddy floodwaters.
Residents say many households have lost valuable possessions, including household appliances, food supplies, and personal belongings.
The flooding has left hundreds stranded, with some families seeking temporary shelter in schools, churches, and community centres.
Community members confirmed that the disaster has already claimed two lives, a 17-year-old and a child aged one year and six months.
The deaths have deepened the sorrow among residents, many of whom are calling for immediate government intervention and long-term measures to prevent future flooding.
Victims have appealed for urgent humanitarian support, including relief items, temporary accommodation, food supplies, and medical assistance.
During a visit to the affected community, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, expressed sadness over the scale of destruction and linked the flooding to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, particularly along the River Tano.
Addressing residents and displaced victims, the Minister stressed that government efforts alone would not be enough to solve the growing environmental crisis.
According to him, the fight against illegal mining requires the collective involvement of local communities, the media, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders.
He noted that residents often remain silent when illegal mining activities occur in their communities but are quick to demand answers from government officials whenever disasters strike.
The Minister emphasized that environmental degradation caused by mining on river bodies has worsened flooding risks across many communities in the Western Region.
He further lamented the enormous losses suffered by affected residents, noting that many have lost homes, property, businesses, and in some cases, cash savings.
While government remains committed to tackling illegal mining, he insisted that sustainable results can only be achieved through active public participation and community vigilance.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako and Akonta Mining at the Samreboi continue to attract national attention.
The High Court in Accra has scheduled July 3, 2026, for judgment in the case involving allegations of illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession.
Following the court’s rejection of Andy Appiah-Kubi’s application to withdraw from the case and the subsequent appointment of Samuel Atta Akyea by Wontumi, uncertainty remains over who officially leads Wontumi’s legal team as the judgment date draws near.
The case has become one of the most closely watched mining-related legal battles in the country, particularly due to concerns over the environmental impact of mining operations in the area.