The prosecution has closed its case against the New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited.
They face charges related to illegal mining activities.
The case concluded after the final prosecution witness, an expert from the Minerals Commission, finished his testimony under cross-examination by defense counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi.
During questioning, the witness stated there was no record before the Commission of the specific permits central to the case against the accused.
He further clarified that operating without the requisite license or authority is a criminal offense under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
Following this, the defense requested four weeks to file a formal “submission of no case.”
However, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay granted them 14 days.
A “submission of no case” is a legal motion under Section 173 of Act 30, which allows an accused person to argue that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case strong enough to require a defense.
If the court agrees, the accused is discharged. If rejected, the defense must proceed to present its case.
The matter has been adjourned to February 18, 2026.
Chairman Wontumi and his company are accused of permitting unauthorized mining on their concession without the sector minister’s approval.
The charges include the assignment of mineral rights without approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations in Samreboi, Western Region.
A co-accused and director of Akonta Mining, Kwame Antwi, who faces similar charges, is currently at large.
All accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are on bail.
