Court sets March 16 to decide whether Chairman Wontumi should open his defence

The High Court of Ghana in Accra has set March 16, 2026, to determine whether the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, should open his defence in a case in which he is accused of permitting two individuals to mine on his concession without ministerial approval.

Mr Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is standing trial together with his company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, over allegations that they allowed 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 accused persons with six counts, including permitting the two individuals to undertake mining activities on the concession without authorisation and facilitating unlicensed mining.

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

At the close of the prosecution’s case, lawyers for the accused persons urged the court to acquit and discharge their clients through a submission of no case to answer.

Counsel argued that the prosecution had failed to produce sufficient evidence to justify calling the accused persons to open their defence.

“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.

“The prosecution's case suffers from fundamental and fatal deficiencies, both in terms of the absence of evidence on essential elements and in terms of the quality and reliability of the evidence adduced,” counsel submitted.

The court is expected to rule on March 16 on whether a prima facie case has been established against the accused persons and whether they should be called upon to open their defence.