Accra, June 1, GNA – An Accra High Court hearing the case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi, Monday admitted into evidence a supplementary witness statement filed by former Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah.
The court also admitted a World Bank project development appraisal submitted by Mr Darko-Mensah, as well as documents relating to a reclamation project, including project objectives, minutes, a project brief, and correspondence from Akonta Mining Company Limited complaining about illegal mining activities on its concession in the Samreboi Forest Reserve.
The supplementary statement and its annexures were filed on June 1, 2026, after Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Boasiako, led the former minister in his evidence-in-chief.
The court expunged portions of the witness’s earlier cross-examination from the record before proceedings resumed.
Under cross-examination by Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney-General, Mr Darko-Mensah said he had not received authorisation from any institution to release information or testify in the matter.
He explained that he chose to testify in his personal capacity as a citizen, development practitioner, Member of Parliament, and former Regional Minister.
Mr Darko-Mensah told the court that during his tenure as Western Regional Minister from April 2019 to January 2025, he did not encounter any mining activities undertaken by Akonta Mining Company Limited.
He acknowledged that Akonta Mining held a valid mining lease, noting that the current Minister for Lands and Natural Resources had recently revoked it.
“If Akonta Mining Company Limited did not have a lease, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources would not have revoked it,” he said.
The witness said he had seen a copy of the lease and that the then Municipal Chief Executive for Amenfi West had also seen it during a visit to the concession.
Mr Darko-Mensah further stated that he was not aware of any dispute between Akonta Mining Company Limited and Samartex Timber and Plywood Limited during his tenure.
He said he believed any disagreement between the two companies related to land matters rather than illegal mining.
The witness said Akonta Mining had written to the Regional Security Council to complain about illegal mining activities on its concession, a move he described as an act of good corporate citizenship.
He denied knowing a prosecution witness, Mr Henry Okum, described as a service support provider.
Mr Darko-Mensah agreed with the prosecution that mineral assignment rights must be transferred in writing.
However, when asked whether he was aware that Mr Okum had been authorised by Akonta Mining to operate on its concession, he said he could not answer.
The case has been adjourned to June 3, 2026, when Boasiako is expected to call his final defence witness.
Boasiako and Akonta Mining Company Limited are accused of facilitating unlicensed mining operations in the Samreboi Forest Reserve in the Western Region.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party is specifically charged with transferring mineral rights without ministerial approval.
Prosecutors allege that he assigned mining rights to Mr Henry Okum without obtaining the requisite approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Boasiako has denied all the charges and is currently on bail.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Agnes Boye- Doe
Reporter: Joyce Danso