According to him, the move is part of a broader attempt to undermine his ambitions to become the National Chairman of the NPP.
In an interview with GhanaWeb on April 22, 2025, Wontumi alleged that his political opponents, particularly from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), are orchestrating efforts to derail his chairmanship campaign.
He accused the current government of using state institutions to target him unfairly.
He specifically pointed fingers at the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, claiming the minister had deliberately planted mining equipment belonging to illegal operators on Akonta Mining’s premises to implicate his company.
“We had only two bulldozers and excavators, which were being used for land reclamation,” he stated.
Wontumi also stated that Akonta Mining had ceased all operations in the Tano Forest Reserve since 2023 when its licence was suspended by the previous administration, suggesting there is no basis for new accusations.
“This is pure hatred. This is a political witch-hunt,” he said, arguing that the revocation is part of a targeted attack influenced by his political aspirations.
The NPP stalwart called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and put an end to what he described as unjust treatment and political intimidation.
Wontumi remains firm in his resolve to contest for the national chairmanship, insisting that he will not be intimidated into abandoning his political goals.