Former Western Regional Minister and ex-Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has defended Akonta Mining Company Limited in the ongoing trial involving the company and its owner, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.
Testifying before an Accra High Court, Mr. Darko-Mensah stated that Akonta Mining acted responsibly by reporting illegal mining activities on its Samreboi concession to the appropriate authorities during his tenure as Regional Minister.
According to him, reporting environmental destruction and illegal mining operations should be viewed as an act of good citizenship, arguing that Akonta Mining’s complaints to REGSEC demonstrated its commitment to combating galamsey rather than facilitating it.
The Takoradi Member of Parliament told the court that the company had fulfilled its statutory obligations and worked closely with security agencies to address unauthorized mining activities on its concession.
During cross-examination by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Mr. Darko-Mensah maintained that the company’s formal reports to the security council were evidence that it was a victim of illegal miners and not a participant in unlawful mining operations.
He further insisted that Akonta Mining possessed a valid mining lease during his time in office, stating that he had personally seen documentation relating to the lease, which was forwarded to him by the Municipal Chief Executive of the area at the time.
The former Regional Minister also rejected suggestions that he prioritized the interests of Akonta Mining over environmental protection and national security. He told the court that he led several anti-galamsey initiatives across the Western Region and collaborated with civil society groups and media organizations in the fight against illegal mining.
Mr. Darko-Mensah, however, acknowledged that he had no personal knowledge of any dealings between Wontumi and prosecution witness Henry Okum, who is alleged to have been involved in illegal mining activities on the concession.
The case has been adjourned to June 3, when the defence is expected to call its final witness.
