The Accra High Court has granted Kwadwo Owusu Bempah, the Operations Manager of Akonta Mining a bail of GHC10m with three sureties, one to be justified.
Owusu Bempah, together with NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Wontumi are among five accused persons charged with multiple illegal mining offences including felling of trees in a forest reserve, abetting and aiding the construction of unauthorised structures at the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Kwadwo Owusu Bempah who had previously been on the run was arrested on Monday, January 12 and arraigned before the court on January 14.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of undertaking mining without a license, abetting the unauthorised felling of trees and abetting the unauthorised erection of structures in the Tano Nimiri Forest in the Western Region.
His lawyers led by Andrew Vortia prayed for his client to be granted bail after noting that he had a fixed place of abode and had willingly turned himself in to the Police.
Prosecution noted to the court that they would amend the charge sheet and remove the fourth accused who had become a state witness from the sheet.
Prosecution also did not oppose the prayer for bail but added that it should be binding enough to compel him to turn up to court when called upon.
Presiding judge then granted Owusu Bempah the bail of GHC10 million with three sureties, two to be justified.
The court also ordered him to deposit his travel documents with the Registry.
By Laud Adu Asare
