A police detective has told the Accra High Court that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, allegedly facilitated illegal mining activities at the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve in Ghana.
Detective Eugene Akpor Glover, the third prosecution witness and investigator in the case, made the disclosure during cross-examination by the defence lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea.
Chairman Wontumi Faces Allegations in Illegal Mining Trial
During proceedings, counsel for the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) suggested that his client had never personally operated mining equipment at the disputed mining concession.
Detective Glover agreed that Boasiako had not personally operated the equipment. However, he maintained that police investigations had established that the businessman allegedly assisted other individuals in carrying out mining operations in violation of the law.
The detective’s testimony forms part of the ongoing legal proceedings concerning alleged illegal mining activities at the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Accusations Focus on Illegal Mining in Forest Reserve
The case highlights continuing concerns about illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and its impact on Ghana’s forest reserves and natural resources.
The prosecution’s position, as presented by the investigating detective, is that the alleged offence involved facilitating mining activities rather than personally operating mining machinery at the concession.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing court proceedings, and the court will determine the matter based on the evidence presented.
Source: newsthemegh.com