The Attorney-General’s Department has reportedly withdrawn all criminal charges against the General Manager of Akonta Mining Limited, Edward Akuoko, after he agreed to serve as a key witness for the state in the ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) trial involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
According to insider sources, Akuoko — who was facing charges related to illegal mining activities within the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve — has entered into a cooperation deal with state prosecutors. Under this arrangement, he will testify against Wontumi and other implicated officials in exchange for leniency.
The Office of the Attorney-General reportedly filed a nolle prosequi (formal notice to discontinue prosecution) in the High Court earlier today, effectively freeing Akuoko from the ongoing case.
Legal analysts say the move signals a major shift in the prosecution’s strategy, suggesting the state may now be focusing on building a stronger case against the politically influential Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, whose company, Wontumi Mining Limited, has been accused of encroaching on protected forest lands.
The case continues to attract national attention, given the political and environmental implications surrounding illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves
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