Atta Akyea disputes judge's conclusions on evidence in Wontumi illegal mining case

Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), challenged the High Court's assessment of evidence that led to his client's conviction in an illegal mining case. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, Atta Akyea argued that the trial judge drew conclusions not supported by facts and that the prosecution failed to prove Wontumi sanctioned illegal mining. He stated, "I don't believe that when we are doing reclamation, you use hoes and cutlasses. So the mere fact that they are doing reclamation and they are using earth-moving equipment is not conclusive of the fact that Wontumi sanctioned mining on the concession."

Atta Akyea contended that the court wrongly inferred the presence of earth-moving equipment on the site was proof of illegal mining, as such machinery is consistent with land reclamation. He further argued that the court failed to appreciate the commercial value of land reclamation, noting that reclaimed land could be used for profitable agricultural ventures like coconut cultivation. He said, "The judge did not realise there's a lot of money in reclamation." Atta Akyea also questioned the credibility of key prosecution witnesses, claiming they were initially arrested as suspects before becoming witnesses for the prosecution, alleging the Attorney-General converted them.