The attorney representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commonly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, has stated that the defence team is undeterred by the Attorney General’s choice to withdraw charges against one of the defendants in the Akonta Mining case.
In a statement to the media following court proceedings, Mr. Andy Appiah Kubi remarked that the withdrawal of charges against the fourth defendant, Mr. Edward Akuoko, will not influence the defence’s strategy or stance.
“We have just received the notice regarding the withdrawal of the fourth accused individual. They are entitled to do so according to court regulations. This does not alter our position. We maintain our innocence,” he asserted.
The lawyer underscored that Wontumi and his legal team are ready to proceed with the case whenever the prosecution is prepared, adding that they will “pursue the case diligently with the utmost of our professional skills.”
Mr. Appiah Kubi also warned against any efforts to sway the court’s ruling, reminding the Attorney General of his duty as Minister of Justice to uphold fairness and equality under the law.
“The Attorney General also serves as the Minister of Justice, and this role holds greater significance than his function as Government Prosecutor,” he stated. “The justice of the present moment is crucial for all of us as citizens of this nation. Our symbol is freedom and justice, which must be applicable to everyone.”
He further challenged the Attorney General’s choice to depend on a former accused individual to aid in prosecuting others, implying that such a strategy could erode trust in the judicial system.
“If, despite having all the necessary materials and resources at his disposal, the Attorney General opts to rely on a former accused individual to prosecute a case against others, that is his prerogative. However, his responsibilities as Minister of Justice should compel him to ensure that freedom and justice are administered equally to all accused individuals until proven guilty,” Mr. Kubi contended.
The defense attorney also claimed that the prosecution’s strategy seemed to be an effort to “poach” its own accused individuals, cautioning that the defense would oppose any actions that might jeopardize justice.
“The manner in which the Attorney General seems to be poaching his own accused individuals indicates a desire to undermine the justice process. We will resist the oppressor’s authority,” he remarked.
Background
On Monday, the Office of the Attorney-General officially retracted all charges against Mr. Edward Akuoko, a manager at Akonta Mining Company Limited and the fourth accused in the ongoing criminal proceedings involving the company and its officials.
A notice submitted to the Accra High Court (Criminal Division) and endorsed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai indicated that the withdrawal was executed under Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). Mr. Akuoko has since been released from prosecution.
Initially, Mr. Akuoko faced charges alongside Akonta Mining Limited, its co-director, Kwame Antwi; Operations Manager, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah; and Chairman Wontumi. The charges pertain to alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without proper authorization.
The accused individuals are confronting multiple charges, including conducting mining operations without a license, unlawfully cutting down trees in a forest reserve, facilitating the unauthorized felling of trees, and constructing buildings in a forest reserve without the necessary approvals.
Law enforcement investigations allege that Akonta Mining engaged in extensive mining activities within the protected Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, resulting in considerable environmental harm.
The case has been postponed to November 12 and December 4, respectively, for additional hearings.
