Wontumi Ordered to Open Defence in Illegal Mining Trial
Accra High Court rules there is sufficient evidence for Chairman Wontumi to defend himself in alleged Samreboi mining operations.
- Accra High Court dismisses Wontumi’s no-case submission
- Prosecution argues that Wontumi actively facilitated unlawful mining operations
- Trial now moves to the defence stage, giving Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused the opportunity to present their version of events
An Accra High Court has dismissed a no-case submission filed by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and ordered him to open his defence in an alleged illegal mining case.
Justice Audrey Kokuvie Tay ruled on Monday that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Mr Boasiako, his company Akonta Mining, and co-accused Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large. The court said the accused must now respond to the evidence presented against them.
The accused are standing trial for allegedly conducting mining operations on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the consent of the sector minister. They are also accused of permitting two individuals to undertake mining activities on the concession without authorization and facilitating those operations.
Lawyers for Mr Boasiako had argued in their no-case submission that after the prosecution called and cross-examined four witnesses, the State had “woefully failed” to prove the essential elements of the charges.
However, the State, led by Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr Justice Srem-Sai, urged the court to dismiss the application, arguing that credible, admissible, and legally sufficient evidence had been presented for each element of the offences.
The prosecution highlighted that Mr Boasiako admitted in his investigation and charge statements that he had allowed one of the prosecution witnesses access to the concession. The State further argued that the evidence indicated the accused did not merely allow statutory breaches to occur but actively supported them.
“He financially aligned himself with the unlawful operations, granted operational access, and provided logistical support without the required approvals,” the State submitted.
Agreeing with the prosecution, the court ruled that there was enough evidence to require the accused to mount a defence.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to Mr Boasiako’s high-profile position as Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the wider national concern over illegal mining (galamsey).
With the no-case submission dismissed, the trial will now proceed to the defence stage, giving Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused the opportunity to present their version of events regarding the alleged mining operations at Samreboi.
