In a major development from the Accra High Court, NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been found guilty and convicted on all 6 counts of illegal mining-related charges.
The judgment was delivered this morning, Monday, July 20, by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
11:08 AM – VERDICT:
Justice Kocuvie-Tay dismissed a motion for deferment filed by Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers, describing it as incompetent and moot, and proceeded to deliver her judgment.
According to proceedings from the courtroom, the High Court found that Wontumi permitted PW2 to enter and work on his mining concessions at Samreboi without permit, quoting Chairman Wontumi’s own witness statement where he admitted to the arrangement.
The Judge also held that when PW1 testified that he was mining and using proceeds for reclamation, counsel for Chairman Wontumi during cross examination didn’t challenge it. Justice Kocuvie-Tay questioned why someone of sound mind would use his own money for reclamation when he had not been told to do so.
Count 1: GUILTY
The court convicted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining Company Limited for offences of assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval and purposefully facilitating unlawful mining at the Samreboi concession, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by Act 995.
This is the first time a major political figure of his stature has been convicted under the new anti-galamsey law.
11:35 AM – MITIGATION:
The courtroom is now on mitigation. Lawyer for Chairman Wontumi is on his feet pleading with the court that the minimum sentence of 15 years and maximum of 25 years is too harsh, arguing that Wontumi is a first-time offender.
Another lawyer, appearing as friend of the court, has also risen to plead for mitigation for Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining, asking Justice Kocuvie-Tay to consider the factors put before the court and impose the minimum sentence.
The court is yet to pronounce the final sentence.
Chairman Wontumi arrived at the court earlier this morning under heavy security as supporters gathered.