NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially denied authorizing illegal mining on the Akonta Mining concession. He stated this in the High Court in Accra on Thursday, May 21.
Chairman Wontumi specifically told the court that prosecution witness Henry Okum, referred to as PW2, was only permitted to work on degraded parts of the land. The purpose was for reclamation and planting coconut trees. He refuted any claims that he allowed mineral extraction or knowingly supported illegal mining. "I didn’t give him permission to mine," Wontumi stated during questioning by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai. He explained the arrangement was for reclamation and future profit sharing from coconuts.
This case touches on the broader issue of illegal mining, often called 'galamsey', in Ghana. This activity has caused significant environmental damage and posed challenges to the mining industry. Previous efforts to curb it have faced mixed success. The government has invested resources into combating illegal mining. The legal proceedings highlight the complexities of accountability within the sector.
The court is examining testimony from PW2, who claimed he was allowed to mine portions of the Akonta concession. PW2 stated he used the proceeds to fund reclamation work. Presiding judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay previously ruled that Wontumi had a case to answer. This decision was based on PW2's testimony and Wontumi’s own statement to the police.
Wontumi also denied helping PW2 get excavators or other heavy machinery. "That is not true. I do not know what work he did," he told the court. The prosecution, however, suggested he knowingly permitted mining. They allege his business model involved sharing profits from illegal mining activities. Wontumi dismissed this as a "blatant falsehood". He also confirmed there was no written agreement for the reclamation project. He admitted he never visited the site after granting access.
The allegations and Wontumi's defence will likely influence ongoing discussions about governance and responsible resource management in Ghana. Decisions made in this case could set precedents for future legal actions involving mining concessions. Investors and stakeholders will closely monitor developments. The court’s final judgment will provide clarity on the extent of accountability for individuals involved in mining operations.