Minority counsel faults High Court ruling in Wontumi illegal mining case

He further contended that the trial judge misinterpreted the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), maintaining that the law does not criminalise the transfer of an interest in a mining concession without prior approval from the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources.” His comments follow the conviction of Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited by the Accra High Court over illegal mining-related offences involving the company’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The court found them guilty of unlawfully assigning mineral rights without the approval of the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources and facilitating illegal mining activities on the concession.