The High Court in Accra has set March 16, 2026, as the date to deliver its ruling on whether Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining Ltd, should open their defence in an ongoing illegal mining case.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his company are facing trial for allegedly allowing two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to carry out mining activities on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister.
The accused persons have been charged by the Attorney-General on six counts, including permitting unlicensed mining operations and facilitating illegal mining activities.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses to testify in support of its case.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, lawyers for the accused persons filed a submission of no case to answer, urging the court to acquit and discharge their clients.
They argued that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case requiring the accused to defend themselves.
“Having regard to the evidence adduced by the prosecution and the essential elements of the offences charged, it is respectfully submitted that the prosecution has woefully failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused persons on all six counts,” counsel submitted.
They further contended that the case suffers from “fundamental and fatal deficiencies” in both the absence of evidence on key elements and the overall quality and reliability of the evidence presented.
The court is now expected to rule on March 16, 2026, on whether a prima facie case has been established to warrant the accused persons to open their defence.
