The prosecution handling the case of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has closed its case after the final witness from the Minerals Commission concluded testimony before the court.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, are standing trial over multiple offences linked to alleged unauthorised mining activities in the Western Region.
The case reached a critical stage after the fourth and final prosecution witness—an expert from the Minerals Commission—completed his evidence under cross-examination by Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining.
During questioning, the witness told the court that the Minerals Commission had no record of any permit or formal assignment involving the accused persons in relation to the mining concession under dispute. He explained that any contrary position would fall under the provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995), which criminalises mining activities undertaken without the requisite licence, permit, or authority.
Counsel for the defence further suggested that there was no legally recognised assignment between Akonta Mining Company Limited and Henry Okum, a prosecution witness, to the knowledge of the Minerals Commission or any other state agency. In response, the witness maintained that his testimony was consistent with his earlier statement and reflected the Commission’s mandate to identify and address violations of Ghana’s mining laws.
He reiterated that operating on a mining concession without approval or licence constitutes a criminal offence under Act 995.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, the defence formally applied to the court for time to file a submission of no case, a procedure allowed under Section 173 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30). Such a submission seeks to persuade the court that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case requiring the accused persons to open their defence.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay declined the defence’s request for four weeks to prepare the submission and instead directed that it be filed within 14 days. The case has consequently been adjourned to February 18, 2026.
Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are facing two counts of assignment of mineral rights without ministerial approval and two counts of deliberately facilitating unlicensed mining operations at Samreboi in the Western Region. A director of the company, Kwame Antwi, who faces similar charges, is currently on the run.
All accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are on bail pending the outcome of the trial.
