The third prosecution witness in the ongoing Tano Nimiri illegal mining case has told the Accra High Court that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, allegedly directed mining operations within a protected forest reserve without the necessary authorisation.
Chief Inspector Eugene Akpo Glover, the lead investigator in the case, made the disclosure during cross-examination at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on Tuesday.
According to the investigator, Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, are among several accused persons facing multiple charges linked to alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Chief Inspector Glover told the court that findings from the prosecution’s investigations suggest that mining operations were conducted within the protected area without the required legal permits and approvals.
His testimony forms part of the prosecution’s efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged unlawful mining activities in the reserve.
The case has attracted significant public and political interest due to the involvement of the influential NPP regional chairman. Prosecutors accuse the defendants of violating mining regulations and carrying out activities within a protected forest reserve.
The trial is expected to continue with further testimony from prosecution witnesses as proceedings move forward.