Former Western Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has given evidence in support of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the ongoing illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Limited.

Darko-Mensah, who chaired the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) during his time in office, appeared before the Accra High Court on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, and tendered a video recording of the Samreboi concession belonging to the mining company.

Former Deputy Lands Minister to testify in Wontumi Samreboi mining case

The video, contained on a pen drive, was recorded during an inspection of the site when he served as REGSEC Chairman.

The court admitted the video into evidence after overruling an objection by the prosecution concerning its authenticity.

Counsel for the accused, Andy Appiah-Kubi, informed the court that the defence intended to call Darko-Mensah as its next witness.

He also disclosed that two witness statements had been filed on May 25 and May 28, 2026, and prayed the court to conduct a Case Management Conference (CMC) on them.

Chairman Wontumi and his company are facing six counts for allegedly permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to carry out mining activities on the Akonta Mining concession without prior approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

In court on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Senior State Attorney Nana Ama Prempeh complained that the prosecution had not been properly served with all the witness statements.

She noted that although she followed up earlier in the morning, only one statement was handed over in court.

She also pointed out that one of the statements belonged to a witness named Evans Adai, who was not previously listed.

“We therefore ask that you ask counsel to give us a list of all witnesses going forward so that we don’t conduct CMC in piecemeal,” she prayed the court.

The court, however, proceeded with the Case Management Conference on the witness statement of Mr Darko-Mensah filed on May 25, 2026.

Defence counsel prayed the court to admit both the witness statement and the pen drive containing the video footage.

The prosecution objected to the admission of the pen drive, citing the absence of a timestamp.

“We are therefore praying that this pen drive be rejected,” Nana Ama Prempeh submitted.

In response, Appiah-Kubi argued that the video’s relevance had been explained in paragraph 39 of the witness statement.

The court overruled the objection, ruling that the prosecution’s concerns could be addressed during cross-examination.

“Having listened to both counsel, it is the considered view of this court that the concerns raised by counsel for the Republic can be addressed through cross-examination,” the court ruled.

The case has been adjourned to June 1, 2026, at 2 pm for continuation.

Background

The Akonta Mining case involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, stems from allegations of illegal mining activities and regulatory breaches linked to Akonta Mining Limited.

Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has faced public scrutiny following accusations that Akonta Mining was operating in forest reserves and engaging in activities associated with illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In 2022, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced the revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease in parts of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region after investigations allegedly uncovered unauthorised mining operations. Government officials accused the company of breaching mining regulations and operating outside approved concessions.

The Ministry further alleged that some individuals connected to the company were involved in illegal mining activities that were degrading forest lands and polluting water bodies.

NA/VPO

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