Oral Lease Holds Same Weight as Written - Martin Kpebu on Akonta Mining Case

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu says an oral agreement for a lease holds the same legal weight as a written one, and cannot be used to circumvent mining regulations.

Commenting on the conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, Mr. Kpebu said Akonta Mining Limited, which is under the directing mind of Chairman Wontumi, was the firm granted authorization for the concession.

He explained that leasing out the concession, whether orally or otherwise, holds the same effect and goes contrary to the rules binding the concession, which prohibit it from being given out without authorization from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

"Leasing it out either orally or theoretically holds the same water and goes contrary to the rules binding the concession to be given out without the authorization of the ministry of lands and natural resources," he stated.

Mr. Kpebu also dismissed Chairman Wontumi’s explanation that Henry Okoom was only mining for reclamation purposes.  
"It does not add up; it is a cock and bull story," he said.

His comments follow the court’s finding that Wontumi permitted mining on the Akonta Mining concession without ministerial approval.

By: Anita Oppong Yeboah