Chairman Wontumi
The founder of Akonta Mining Company Ltd , Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released from police custody after meeting bail conditions set by the High Court in Accra.
His release comes three days after being granted bail in two separate rulings related to an ongoing illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining, the company he founded, which is accused of engaging in unlicensed mining operations.
Wontumi, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is accused of facilitating illegal mining activities and unlawfully assigning mineral rights without the approval of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
In the first case, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted him bail of GHC15 million with three sureties, two of whom were required to justify with landed property. In a separate case before Justice Ruby Aryeetey, both Wontumi and his co-accused, Edward Akuoko, the Operations Manager of Akonta Mining, were granted GHC10 million bail each, with two sureties, one to be justified with property.
Although the bail was approved on October 7, administrative delays meant Wontumi remained in custody overnight until the necessary documentation was completed.
He is expected to reappear in court later this month as the trial continues.
Citinewsroom
