The Attorney General has filed an application at the High Court to withdraw charges against Edward Akuoko, the General Manager of Akonta Mining, after he offered to testify for the State as a Prosecution Witness.
Edward Akuoko is the fourth Accused person in the case, in which he and the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, have been charged with illegal mining activities.
Prior to declaring his intention to testify, Akuoko had pleaded not guilty to three counts, which comprised undertaking a mining operation without a license and two counts of abetting the unauthorized felling of trees in a Forest Reserve.
On November 3, the Attorney General filed a notice of withdrawal of all charges against him.
The Notice of Withdrawal from Prosecution, filed on November 3, 2025, stated: “TAKE NOTICE that the Honorable Attorney-General has, pursuant to Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), withdrawn EDWARD AKUOKO, the 4th Accused Person herein, from prosecution in respect of all the charges brought against him in this case.”
According to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, he is expected to be discharged on November 4, when the case is called in open Court.
*Brief facts*
Per the brief facts of the case as presented to the Court by the Deputy Attorney Dr Justice Srem-Sai on October 7, were that Akonta Mining Company Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ghana on November 5, 2010, with its principal place of business in Tarkwa.
However, the company conducts its mining activities mainly in the Samreboi area, both in the Western Region.
The accused persons are: Akonta Mining Company Limited, Bernard Antwi Boasiako alias Wontumi, a 49-year-old entrepreneur and native of Kuntanase in the Ashanti Region, who is one of the two shareholders and directors of Akonta Mining.
Kwame Antwi, at large, listed as the other shareholder and director of Akonta Mining.
Edward Akuoko, 48 years old, General Manager of Akonta Mining and a native of Cape Coast.
Kwadwo Owusu Bempah alias Sly, Operations Manager of Bernard Antwi Boasiako and currently at large.
The facts of the case are that Akonta Mining Company Limited lawfully obtained mining leases over concessions in Samreboi and Abekoase, both in the Western Region, in July 2022.
However, the company’s application for a permit to enter and undertake mining operations in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve was refused.
Despite the refusal, Akonta Mining entered the forest reserve and began conducting extensive mining operations without authorization.
The company’s activities caused extreme environmental destruction, including the devastation of approximately 13 hectares of land covering the bed and banks of the Tano River and adjoining portions of the forest reserve.
The Forestry Commission, accompanied by media personnel and officers of Samartex Timber and Plywood Limited, visited the site of Akonta Mining’s illegal activities within the forest reserve.
They were confronted by Akonta Mining’s armed personnel, led by Edward Akuoko, who prevented the Forestry Commission-led team from exiting with seized mining equipment.
Based on these facts, three of the accused persons were apprehended after several attempts by security and intelligence agencies.
Sources :www.kumasimail.com
