The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has directed the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to appear in Accra today to face charges connected to alleged illegal mining operations involving Akonta Mining Limited.
Dr. Ayine made the announcement during a stakeholder engagement on illegal mining, convened by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra on Friday, October 3.
He disclosed that formal charges have been filed against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Limited, and five others following the retrieval of a previously concealed police docket.
“In 2002, the police conducted very diligent investigations into Akonta Mining. But the docket was hidden until we came to power… Two months ago, the police themselves presented the docket to my office. So, as we speak, the charges against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and five others have been signed,” Dr. Ayine revealed.
The Attorney-General emphasized that Wontumi’s appearance before the court is mandatory despite pleas from his legal counsel for a postponement.
“His lawyers asked that he should be brought on Tuesday, but I’m insisting that he should be here on Monday. If he doesn’t come on Monday, I’ll order his arrest so he can be brought to Accra, his rights will be read to him, and we can begin prosecution,” Dr. Ayine stated.
He added that his office has instituted special measures to ensure an expedited trial process once proceedings commence.
Chairman Wontumi, who was first questioned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in May regarding the case, has repeatedly denied any involvement in illegal mining.
He maintains that Akonta Mining operates within the law under a valid large-scale mining license.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
