The Law to discuss Akonta Mining and Sedina judgements

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour in the Akonta Mining judgement. The Accra High Court convicted both Wontumi and Akonta Mining for unlawfully assigning mineral rights and facilitating illegal mining operations without required approvals. The Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, overturning her 10-year prison sentence for causing financial loss to the state and related offences.

The appellate court held that the prosecution failed to prove its case to the required legal standard and identified flaws in the trial proceedings. The Akonta Mining ruling has ignited debate over the enforcement of Ghana's mining laws, environmental protection, and criminal accountability in the fight against illegal mining. The Court of Appeal's decision regarding Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu has fuelled discussions on prosecutorial standards, corruption prosecutions, and the evidentiary threshold required for criminal convictions. Samson Anyenini will host "The Law" to unpack the legal reasoning behind both judgements.