Court sets date to decide whether Chairman Wontumi should open his defense

The High Court of Ghana in Accra has scheduled March 16, 2026, to decide whether the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, should present his defense in a case where he is accused of allowing two individuals to mine on his concession without ministerial approval.

Mr. Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, is on trial along with his company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, over allegations that they permitted Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without the prior approval of the sector minister.

The Attorney-General has charged the defendants with six counts, including permitting the two individuals to conduct mining activities on the concession without authorization and facilitating unlicensed mining.

During the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses to support its case.

At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, defense attorneys urged the court to acquit and discharge their clients through a no case to answer submission.

Counsel argued that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify calling the accused to defend themselves. “Having regard to the evidence provided by the prosecution and the essential elements of the charges, it is respectfully submitted that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused on all six counts.

“The prosecution’s case suffers from fundamental and fatal deficiencies, both in terms of the lack of evidence on key elements and the quality and reliability of the evidence presented,” counsel argued.

The court is expected to decide on March 16 whether a prima facie case has been established against the defendants and whether they should be required to present their defenses.