Lands and Mines Watch welcomes Wontumi verdict, urges tougher action against illegal mining
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG) welcomed the conviction and sentencing of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited after the Accra High Court delivered its ruling. The civil society organisation described the judgment as "a landmark moment in Ghana's fight against illegal mining" and stated that the decision reinforces the principle that Ghana's mining laws apply equally to all persons and companies, regardless of political affiliation or status.
LMWG stated that the case centered on allegations that Wontumi and Akonta Mining permitted mining activities on the company's Samreboi concession without the approval of the Minister responsible for mining, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay convicted Wontumi on Counts One and Four, while Akonta Mining was convicted on Counts Three and Six for unlawfully assigning mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining operations. The court's decision to lift the corporate veil after finding that the company had no functional board and that Wontumi exercised effective personal control over its operations was described as a significant precedent by LMWG.
Quick Summary
Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG) has reacted to a recent court verdict involving NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
Image: MyJoyOnline
Also covered by
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Regional
Mali insurgents ambush army convoy, source says more than 50 killed
An ambush on a military convoy in northern Mali has raised concerns about escalating violence and its implications for regional stability.
11h ago•2 min read
