The Managing Director of Akonta Mining, Edward Akuoko, has confirmed that he accepted the offer to become a prosecution witness and testify for the state for his personal interest.
Akuoko, a former fourth accused person together with Chairman Wontumi, had been facing multiple charges, including undertaking a mining operation without a license and felling or abetting the felling of trees in a forest reserve without written authorisation.
Speaking on Okay FM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, he stated that none of the party’s leaders reached out to check on his well-being after he was arrested with Wontumi.
He added that the solidarity messages seemed to be in favour of Wontumi alone, and none were directed toward him.
“The day we went to court and we (Wontumi and I) were rearrested and placed in handcuffs, none of the big leaders in the party reached out to me or asked about me. Even attempts by people to show solidarity with Wontumi to secure his release, no one did the same for me,” he explained.
Akuoko added that he made the decision based on expert advice, given the gravity of the case he was facing.
He claimed that if there were a jail term for him and Wontumi, Wontumi could be freed while he, on the other hand, would be abandoned.
“After securing bail, I was advised to agree to become a prosecution witness because I could otherwise be jailed. With Wontumi, even if he were jailed, he could be granted a presidential pardon when his party comes to power, while I would be left to my sad fate. I joined the prosecution witness out of personal interest. I will not lie against Wontumi, but I will speak my truth about the whole case,” he added.
Meanwhile, charges against Akuoko have been dropped by the Attorney General.
