Chairman Wontumi Denies Formal Mining Contract in Accra High Court Trial

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party Bernard Antwi Boasiako recently clarified his business dealings before the Accra High Court.

Popularly known as Chairman Wontumi he told the judge that he never signed a formal written contract with Henry Okum. Instead he relied on a purely informal oral agreement to reclaim the Samreboi concession. He openly admitted this lack of documentation was a simple administrative oversight on his part.

The Core Reclamation Defense

Wontumi currently faces charges of assigning mineral rights without approval and facilitating unlicensed operations through his company Akonta Mining. However he strongly maintains his absolute innocence. He testified that he only permitted Okum to plant coconut seedlings on previously mined lands. The arrangement focused strictly on land restoration rather than mineral extraction. Wontumi logically argued that an oral agreement for agricultural reclamation does not legally transform into an official assignment of mining rights. He insisted he would have reported the matter to authorities immediately had he known illegal extraction was taking place.

Three Factual Insights on Ghana Mining Laws

To fully grasp this complex legal battle we must look at the verified facts surrounding corporate resource extraction.

1. The Minerals and Mining Act 703 strictly forbids the transfer or assignment of mineral rights without prior written approval from the sector Minister.
2. Land reclamation acts as a mandatory environmental requirement in Ghana where companies must restore degraded soils by planting vegetation after extraction activities conclude.
3. Akonta Mining Limited officially holds a legally valid ten year mining lease for the Samreboi area which the government issued in July 2021.

A Lesson in Corporate Agreements

The prosecution believes the informal arrangement violated national regulations but the defense team remains highly confident. Wontumi pleaded not guilty to all six counts and asked the court to acquit him completely. Corporate leaders should definitely pay attention to this unfolding case. A friendly oral agreement can easily land you in front of a High Court judge. Always put your business contracts in writing to avoid costly legal misunderstandings and preserve your peace of mind.

Also Read: Accra High Court Gives Chairman Wontumi Strict Ultimatum in Akonta Mining Trial