The prosecution has closed its case in the trial involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, and other accused persons facing various illegal mining-related charges.
This followed the conclusion of testimony by the fourth and final prosecution witness, an expert from the Minerals Commission, after he was cross-examined by Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Akonta Mining Company Limited, owned by Mr Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
During cross-examination, the witness told the court that there was no record linking the accused persons to the permit cited in the trial, adding that any contrary evidence would fall under provisions of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
Counsel Appiah-Kubi further suggested to the witness that there was no legal assignment between Chairman Wontumi’s company and Henry Okum, a prosecution witness, to the knowledge of the Minerals Commission or any other state agency.
In response, the witness stated that his testimony reflected his earlier witness statement, explaining that in the course of their duties, the Commission encounters individuals who violate mining laws. He stressed that operating without a licence, permit, or authority has been criminalised under Act 995.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, defence counsel applied for four weeks to file a submission of no case.
A submission of no case, as provided under Section 173 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), allows accused persons to argue that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case requiring them to open their defence. If upheld, the accused are discharged; if dismissed, they are ordered to present their defence.
Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, declined the request for four weeks and directed the defence to file the submission within 14 days. The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2026.
Background:
Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are accused of allowing two individuals to conduct mining operations on the company’s concession without approval from the sector minister.
They face two counts of assignment of mineral rights without approval and two counts of deliberately facilitating an unlicensed mining operation at Samreboi in the Western Region.
A director of the company, Kwame Antwi, who is facing similar charges, is currently at large.
All accused persons have pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail pending the determination of the case.
