The High Court in Accra, Ghana presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, has granted bail to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—and Edward Akuoko, Operations Manager of Akonta Mining Company Limited, in connection with alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Both Wontumi and Akuoko were granted bail in the sum of GHC10 million each, with two sureties, one of whom must justify with proof of landed property. The court also ordered the accused persons to deposit their travel documents with the Registrar and report to the investigator once every two weeks until further notice.
The two pleaded not guilty to all charges during their first court appearance. They are among five accused persons and entities, including Akonta Mining Limited itself and two other company officials—Kwame Antwi and Kwadwo Owusu Bempah—who are currently at large.
Charges Summary
1. Akonta Mining Company Limited (1st Accused)
Represented in court by Chairman Wontumi, the company pleaded not guilty to:
• Undertaking mining operations without a licence — allegedly conducting unapproved mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in 2022.
• Felling trees in a forest reserve without authority — accused of illegally cutting over 300 merchantable trees and numerous saplings.
• Erecting buildings in a forest reserve without authorisation — charged for constructing makeshift structures and checkpoints without approval.
2. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (2nd Accused)
Pleaded not guilty to:
• Undertaking mining operations without a licence — as co-owner/director of Akonta Mining.
• Abetting the unauthorised felling of trees.
• Abetting the erection of unauthorised structures.
3. Kwame Antwi (3rd Accused – At Large)
Charged jointly with Wontumi for:
• Illegal mining operations,
• Abetting tree felling, and
• Aiding unauthorised construction.
4. Edward Akuoko (4th Accused)
Pleaded not guilty to:
• Undertaking unlicensed mining operations,
• Abetting the felling of trees, and
• Abetting the erection of unauthorised structures.
5. Kwadwo Owusu Bempah (5th Accused – At Large)
Faces similar charges for allegedly engaging in and facilitating unlicensed mining and related activities.
The case stems from allegations that Akonta Mining conducted mining and logging operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the required authorisation from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission.
Investigations are ongoing, while efforts continue to trace the two absconding company officials.
Source:Africa Publicity
