Accra, May 30, GNA – An Accra High Court has admitted into evidence two press statements and a police investigative report in the ongoing illegal mining case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited.
Detective Chief Inspector Eugene Akpo Glover, the case investigator and third prosecution witness, tendered the documents while testifying before the court.
He was led in evidence by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai.
The witness told the court that the two press statements were issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and directed to the Forestry Commission.
The statements, which contained specific directives, were published on September 30, 2022, he said.
Chief Inspector Glover further stated that the Minerals Commission issued a separate statement on October 3, 2022. However, he did not disclose the contents of the statements in court.
The documents were admitted into evidence without objection from defence counsel, Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi.
The witness also tendered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) report addressed to the Inspector-General of Police. He said the report was completed on March 20, 2023.
Chief Inspector Glover recounted how he took both a caution statement and a charge statement from Boasiako, who represented himself and his company during the investigations.
He further tendered a video recording stored on a pen drive, which allegedly captured activities at the crime scene. According to the witness, the footage was recorded by UTV, an Accra-based television station.
Earlier, the court overruled an objection by the defence regarding the admission of photographs taken at the alleged crime scene.
In its ruling, the court held that the photographs were relevant to the case and contained identifying information, including dates and the name of the photographer.
The photographs were subsequently admitted and marked as exhibits.
Mr Appiah-Kubi had argued that the photographs were not connected to the matters before the court and did not relate directly to Boasiako or Akonta Mining Company Limited.
He contended that they did not establish a link to the charges preferred against the accused persons and lacked sufficient evidential value.
Opposing the objection, Dr Srem-Sai submitted that the photographs were properly authenticated, containing details of when and where they were taken, as well as the identity of the photographer.
“It is clear from the witness statement that the photographs were taken during investigations at the crime scene. We therefore pray that the objection be overruled,” he told the court.
Following his testimony, Chief Inspector Glover concluded his evidence-in-chief. He is expected to be cross-examined by the defence on June 8, 2026.
Boasiako and Akonta Mining Company Limited are facing charges of undertaking mining operations without a licence, felling 300 merchantable trees in the Nnimiri Forest Reserve, and constructing structures within the reserve without written authorisation from the Forestry Commission.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has denied all the charges and is currently on bail.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Joyce Danso
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