The complex and contentious issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, continues to draw significant attention in Ghana, with recent developments highlighting both corporate accountability and broader political accusations. In a notable turn of events, Edward Akwasi Akuoko, the former General Manager of Akonta Mining Company Limited and initially the fourth accused person in a high-profile criminal case, has admitted that the company operated without completing all necessary documentation for its activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. This admission, made during an exclusive interview on Adom TV’s Badwam show and later reiterated on Okay FM, is expected to form a crucial part of his testimony as a prosecution witness for the state.

Mr. Akuoko’s decision to cooperate with the Attorney-General’s Office follows the formal withdrawal of all charges against him under Section 59 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). The withdrawal was confirmed by a notice filed at the Accra High Court and signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai, effectively discharging Akuoko from the case involving Akonta Mining and its officials, including the company’s owner and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Explaining his decision to become a state witness, Mr. Akuoko described it as a personal choice guided by truth, due process, and self-preservation. He recounted feeling terrified by the initial charges and the possibility of a 15-year jail term. He also expressed concerns about receiving less support compared to Chairman Wontumi, noting that “many NPP members were chanting ‘Free Chairman Wontumi’ but no one said ‘Free Akuoko’” during a court appearance. This experience, he said, made him realize the need to “save myself.” Akuoko further speculated that Chairman Wontumi might receive a presidential pardon if convicted, a privilege he believed would not be extended to him.

He firmly rejected suggestions that his cooperation with the state was an act of disloyalty or betrayal toward Chairman Wontumi, insisting that his decision stemmed from integrity and a commitment to helping the court establish the facts. However, Chairman Wontumi’s legal team has criticized the Attorney-General’s decision to withdraw charges against Akuoko, with lead counsel Andy Appiah Kubi alleging that it was an attempt to manipulate the legal process by securing testimony against their client.

Meanwhile, the political discourse surrounding galamsey has been further inflamed by allegations from Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Kodua Frimpong vehemently accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of being the primary perpetrator and enabler of illegal mining across the country. He claimed that it is “very clear to the people of Ghana that the real galamseyers and enablers of galamsey are in the NDC,” alleging that party members, from Members of Parliament to executives at various levels, have “taken over almost all the galamsey sites” and are mining “irresponsibly and with impunity.”

The NPP General Secretary also drew attention to the alarming consequences of widespread illegal mining, including attacks on military personnel deployed for anti-galamsey operations and the severe environmental impact. He pointed to rising turbidity levels in major rivers, which have forced water treatment plants to shut down, thereby worsening the nation’s water security. Acknowledging the crisis as a “generational challenge,” Mr. Kodua Frimpong reaffirmed the NPP’s commitment to acting responsibly and supporting the government’s efforts to combat the menace, in contrast to what he described as the NDC’s partisan approach when in opposition.