The Managing Director of Akonta Mining, Mr. Edward Akuoko, has opened up about his arrest alongside NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking with Kwame Nkrumah Tikese on Okay FM’s morning show, which was monitored by prekonews.com, Mr. Akuoko disclosed that both he and Chairman Wontumi were arrested by the state over issues connected to Akonta Mining.
However, he expressed disappointment that while NPP supporters were loudly campaigning for the release of Chairman Wontumi with the slogan “Free Chairman Wontumi!”, no one mentioned his name or called for his release.
> “When they were shouting ‘Free Chairman Wontumi’, did you hear anyone say ‘Free Akuoko’?” he asked. “It means if you have a case and no one knows you, you must be careful. Nobody knows me, but Chairman Wontumi is famous, so if I’m not careful, I could end up in jail.”
Mr. Akuoko revealed that after broad consultation, he has decided to serve as a prosecution witness in the ongoing case between the state and Akonta Mining.
However, he emphasized that he will not lie against Chairman Wontumi just to save himself.
> “I will not lie against Wontumi,” he said. “I will only tell the truth to gain my freedom. Both my mother and father are still alive, and I will not do anything that will bring shame to them or my family.”
His comments have attracted public attention, as they shed light on internal tensions and personal struggles surrounding the Akonta Mining case — an issue that has drawn national concern due to allegations of illegal mining activities involving influential political figures.
Mr. Akuoko concluded by advising Ghanaians, especially those without fame or political influence, to be cautious when facing legal battles because, according to him, “in this country, if nobody knows you, you’re on your own.”
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