The Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has said that the processes to prosecute Ashanti Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako and five others, will commence on Monday October 6.
Popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Antwi Boasiako, was investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Police.
The issues are primarily about accusations of him being involved in illegal mining by his company Akonta Mining in forest reserves, entering into forests without permits. The two forests are Aboi and Tano Nimiri in the Western Region.
Earlier this year, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah revoked the license of the mining firm over claims that it was neck deep in illegal mining popularly known as galamsey.
After months of his invitation, charges, and caution by the CID, the AG says progress has been made and all is set for a ‘show down’ of a sort in the law court.
Answering questions at President Mahama’s meeting with Civil Society Organization (CSOs), on Friday, October 3, at the presidency, in Accra, the AG said the charges have been finalized for prosecution.
He revealed that, they had initially encountered challenges concerning information on the allegations.
He said there was concealment of information by the Akufo-Addo government. But, few months ago, the Police owned up and provided the needed information.
“In 2022, the police conducted very diligent investigation in respect of Akonta Mining but the docket was hidden until we came to power. In fact, when we came to power and I started investigation with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission, we were finding it difficult to find information. Subsequently, the police themselves owned up and presented the docket to my office two months ago. So, as we speak, this charges against Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and five others have been signed as we speak. We are currently waiting to read his rights to him, and he retains the right to remain silent before being brought from Kumasi”.
The Kumasi based politician, is therefore expected to be in Accra for the process to be begin and answer for his conduct in court.
According to the Minister, lawyers for Wontumi had requested that, they present their client on Tuesday October 7 but he insisted on the initial date which is Monday.
“His lawyers requested a Tuesday appearance, but I insisted he appear on Monday. If he does not come on Monday. I will order his arrest to ensure he is brought to Accra so we can commence prosecution”, he added.
He reminded the NPP bigwig to do well to remain silent and ensure he appears for his rights to be read to him, indicating he has the right to remain silent or anything contrary could be used against him.
Dr Aynie warned in the event that the politician and miner, who has a recent a record of evading invitation and arrest by security agencies, he will be arrested again.
By Gifty A. Boateng