“Wontumi Started Mining In Tano Nimri Forest Without Proper Documents ”- Akonta Mining General Manager

The former General Manager of Akonta Mining Company Limited, Edward Akwasi Akuoko, has disclosed that the company failed to complete all the necessary documentation for its operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

In an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show, Mr. Akuoko said this information will form part of his testimony as a prosecution witness for the state in the ongoing trial involving Akonta Mining and some of its officials.

He explained that the company’s owner and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, had publicly acknowledged the lack of full documentation during court proceedings.

Mr. Akuoko’s revelation comes after the Office of the Attorney-General formally withdrew all charges against him, making him the fourth accused person to be discharged in the case.

A notice filed at the Accra High Court (Criminal Division) and signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai indicated that the withdrawal was done in accordance with Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).

While Mr. Akuoko declined to confirm whether any mining activities actually took place within the forest reserve, he admitted that he was initially terrified when he learned of the charges and the potential 15-year jail term he faced if convicted.

Explaining his decision to cooperate with the Attorney-General’s Office, he said his choice was guided by honesty and respect for due process.

“I decided to testify not out of disloyalty, but because I want to do what is right,” he said. “If my former boss, Chairman Wontumi, is ever convicted, he might get a presidential pardon someday. I don’t think that opportunity would be extended to me.”

Mr. Akuoko further dismissed claims that he had betrayed Chairman Wontumi, stressing that his cooperation with the prosecution was driven by integrity and a commitment to the truth.

“I am only standing by the truth and helping the court to establish the facts,” he added.