The evidence before High Court continues to expose weakness of the Republic's case against Wontumi
Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) is involved in proceedings before the Criminal Court 4 Division of the High Court where the Republic has allegedly failed to establish credible evidence. The Republic has not produced evidence that Chairman Wontumi assigned mining rights, authorized illegal mining, or personally benefited from any alleged unlawful mining activity. The prosecution continues to struggle to produce the foundation required under Ghana's mining laws to sustain these accusations.
The Republic has allegedly failed to produce any written assignment agreement, any ministerial approval authorizing transfer of mining rights, any payment trail linking Chairman Wontumi to alleged illegal mining proceeds, any operational authorization proving Akonta Mining engaged in illegal mining, any evidence showing Chairman Wontumi directed, supervised or financed illegal mining, any gold proceeds traced to him, or any direct evidence proving criminal intent. The court heard expert evidence explaining the distinction between reclamation activities and mining rights assignment. The defence witness stated: "Any assignment which is not conveyed in a deed and expressly approved and signed off by the Minister responsible for Mines is not recognized by the laws of Ghana."
The prosecution has allegedly failed to produce basic documentary evidence. The article mentions the Ghanaian case of Kpebu v Attorney-General, where the Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of constitutional protections, due process and the presumption of innocence.
Quick Summary
The case involving Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining continues in the High Court- with the Republic struggling to substantiate its claims. The apparent lack of concrete evidence raises questions about the foundation of the prosecution's case- leaving observers to wonder what's next.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.
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