Edward Akwasi Akuoko, former Managing Director of Akonta Mining, has stated that he was the one who approached the Attorney General seeking a plea bargain, not the reverse.
In an exclusive interview with Adom TV monitored by Kumasimail, Akuoko explained that he sought legal advice from experienced lawyers who recommended he accept the role of a state prosecution witness.
Akuoko said, “I went to the Attorney General’s office on my own accord. The Attorney General did not reach out to me. I studied law (LLB) but did not complete the program, so my legal knowledge is limited. That’s why I consulted knowledgeable lawyers for advice.”
He added, “Every lawyer I spoke to told me, ‘Akuoko, if there is sufficient evidence against you, it is better to accept the prosecution’s offer or agree to be a witness, otherwise you could face serious trouble.’ Well-known individuals also warned me that rejecting this offer could lead to consequences worse than those faced by Chairman Wontumi.”
Akuoko emphasized his innocence regarding the accusation, saying, “I was employed at Chairman Wontumi’s company; nothing more. I haven’t worked there for about three years now, so it baffles me why I should face problems over this.”
He also mentioned personal concerns, stating, “I have a wife who is beautiful, and if I don’t take care, and I end up in jail, think about the time I would lose.”
Background:
The Office of the Attorney-General (AG) has officially withdrawn all charges against Mr. Edward Akuoko, a Manager of Akonta Mining Company Limited and the fourth accused person in the ongoing criminal case involving the company and its officials.
A formal notice filed at the Accra High Court (Criminal Division) on Monday indicated that the withdrawal was made in accordance with Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30).Witness coaching services
The notice, signed by the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, stated that Mr. Akuoko had been discharged from prosecution in connection with all charges brought against him.
Akuoko was facing charges alongside four others: Akonta Mining Limited; Chairman Wontumi; Operations Manager of Akonta Mining, Kwadwo Owusu Bempah; and a co-director of the company, Kwame Antwi, who, along with Bempah, is currently said to be at large.
The charges stem from illegal mining operations allegedly carried out in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without express authorisation.
Charges
The accused face the following charges:
-Undertaking mining operations without a licence
-Felling trees in a forest reserve without authorisation
-Abetting the unauthorised felling of trees
-Erecting buildings in a forest reserve without approvalMining equipment sales
Brief Facts of the Case
According to the charge sheet, Akonta Mining Company Limited, registered in 2010, is jointly owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako (A2) and Kwame Antwi (A3), though prosecutors claim that Wontumi has exercised sole operational control since the company’s inception. Prosecution says they are still working to verify the existence or identity of the listed co-director.Legal case tracking
The investigation, led by the Ghana Police Service, according to the prosecution, was triggered by petitions alleging that Akonta Mining was operating unlawfully within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, despite lacking the necessary permits and approvals.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
