Chief Inspector Eugene Akpoh Glover has told a court that security personnel from Akonta Mining took control of access to a forest reserve and restricted forest guards and other security personnel from entering the area.

According to his testimony, individuals who wanted to conduct lawful business within the reserve were required to seek permission from Akonta Mining management before they could enter.

He further stated that visitors were required to surrender their mobile phones before being allowed into the forest reserve.

The testimony has brought renewed attention to access control within the reserve and the role of Akonta Mining’s security personnel in regulating movement in the area.

Akonta Mining Security Allegedly Controlled Entry

Chief Inspector Glover told the court that the company’s security personnel exercised control over entry into the forest reserve, including restricting access by forest guards and other security officers.

His testimony raises questions about the circumstances under which access to the reserve was controlled and whether authorised personnel were able to carry out their duties.

Forest reserves are protected areas where access and activities are subject to applicable laws and regulations. Restrictions affecting forest guards and other authorised security personnel can therefore be significant, particularly in investigations involving alleged illegal mining activities.

However, the claims presented in court remain part of the evidence being examined in the ongoing proceedings.

Witness Gives Details of Restrictions

Chief Inspector Glover indicated that the access restrictions occurred between August and September 2022.

He said the information was documented in a police report submitted to the relevant authorities as part of the investigation.

His account forms part of the evidence in the case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited and its owner, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The prosecution is presenting evidence to support its case, while the defence has the opportunity to challenge the claims and evidence presented by witnesses.

Case Against Akonta Mining Continues

The proceedings are part of a broader legal effort to investigate alleged illegal mining activities and establish the circumstances surrounding operations within the forest reserve.

Chief Inspector Glover’s testimony is expected to be considered alongside other evidence presented before the court.

The accused persons have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations have yet to be determined by the court. The outcome will depend on the evidence and legal arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

The case continues to draw attention to the protection of Ghana’s forest reserves, the enforcement of mining regulations and the responsibilities of individuals and companies operating in or around protected areas.

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