Defence seeks to recall former Akonta mining manager in Wontumi illegal mining case

Lawyers for former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, are seeking to bring a prosecution witness back to the High Court for further examination in the ongoing illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Limited.

The proposed application concerns Edward Akuoko, a former General Manager of Akonta Mining, who previously testified for the prosecution about mining activities allegedly undertaken in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The development follows the prosecution's decision to close its case after Chief Inspector Eugene Akpo Glover, the investigator and final prosecution witness, completed his testimony and was discharged.

Defence moves to recall prosecution witness

During proceedings, Wontumi's lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, informed the court that the defence intended to invoke Section 68(1) of the Evidence Act to recall Akuoko for further examination.

He described the witness as a "self-confessed illegal miner" and indicated that a formal application would be filed within the week.

The court subsequently directed the defence to serve the proposed application on the prosecution through WhatsApp by October 30, 2026.

The prosecution is expected to respond by November 3, while the court has scheduled November 4 to consider the application.

The proposed recall introduces another development in the proceedings as the defence seeks to further examine evidence already presented by the prosecution.

Former manager's testimony links Wontumi to mining operations

Akuoko, who was initially an accused person before becoming a prosecution witness, previously provided an account of his relationship with Wontumi and his involvement in the management of Akonta Mining.

According to his witness statement, he worked for Wontumi for approximately ten years as a Public Relations Officer of Hansol Company Limited before being appointed General Manager of Akonta Mining in late 2021.

He claimed that the appointment came with a monthly salary of GH¢20,000 and a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 for official duties.

Akuoko further stated that Wontumi initially informed him that Akonta Mining had obtained a licence to undertake mining activities around Asankragua in the Western Region.

However, he alleged that he was subsequently instructed to relocate the company's operations into the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

According to the witness, he questioned whether the necessary permits had been secured for operations within the forest but was assured that the then Minister for Lands and Natural Resources was aware of the activities.

He later discovered, he claimed, that a Forestry Commission document relied upon by the company was merely a no-objection letter issued in response to an information request and not a permit authorising mining in the forest reserve.

Despite those concerns, Akuoko acknowledged that mining activities took place within the reserve.

Witness recounts confrontation at mining site

Another aspect of Akuoko's evidence concerned an incident on August 17, 2022, involving individuals who visited the mining site.

The group reportedly included a journalist and representatives of Samartex Timber and Plywood Company Limited.

According to Akuoko, he travelled to the location after receiving information about unusual activities at the site.

Upon arrival, he discovered that some equipment and other company items had been seized.

He admitted that he became angry, demanded the return of the items and forcibly retrieved them before loading them into his pickup truck and leaving the area.

Chief Inspector Glover also addressed the incident during his testimony.

The investigator alleged that a team comprising Forestry Commission officials, traditional leaders, media personnel and Samartex representatives encountered armed individuals led by Akuoko.

According to the investigator, Akuoko subsequently retrieved equipment that the team had seized during its visit.

Enchi District Court undertaking also features in evidence

The prosecution has also relied on an undertaking allegedly signed by Akuoko before the Enchi District Court on January 31, 2023.

The undertaking concerned the removal of mining equipment from the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

Akuoko acknowledged the document in his statement, explaining that he signed it before collecting equipment following the release of Chinese partners who had been arrested during an operation conducted by the Forestry Commission.

The undertaking and the witness's account of the mining activities form part of the evidence presented during the prosecution's case.

The defence's proposed application will give the High Court an opportunity to determine whether Akuoko should return to the witness box for further questioning.

For now, the prosecution has closed its case, while the defence's request to recall the witness remains subject to the court's determination.

The allegations against Wontumi and Akonta Mining have not been finally determined by the court.