The High Court in Accra has granted bail to “Chairman Wontumi” and Akonta Mining’s General Manager, Edward Akuoko, in the ongoing illegal mining case involving the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Justice Ruby Aryeetey granted each accused bail in the sum of GHC10 million with two sureties, one of whom must justify with landed property. The court also ordered them to surrender their passports to the Registrar and report to investigators every two weeks until further notice.
Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges when they appeared before the court. They are being tried alongside three others — Akonta Mining Limited, co-director Kwame Antwi, and Operations Manager Kwadwo Owusu Bempah. Antwi and Bempah are currently on the run.
Prosecutors allege that Akonta Mining, owned and directed by Wontumi, carried out unauthorised mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in 2022. The company is accused of operating without a licence, felling more than 300 trees without permission from the Forestry Commission, and erecting makeshift structures inside the forest reserve.
Wontumi faces related charges of undertaking unlicensed mining, abetting the felling of protected trees, and aiding the erection of unauthorised buildings. Akuoko is charged with overseeing illegal mining and abetting similar offences.
The case, which has attracted significant public attention, comes amid renewed government efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, or galamsey, blamed for widespread environmental destruction.
The court adjourned proceedings while investigators continue efforts to locate the two absconded co-accused.
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