Wontumi Trial Hits Snag as Defence Accuses State of Hiding Crucial Evidence

Lawyers for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining have accused the prosecution of withholding key documents critical to their defence and are preparing to seek a court order to compel full disclosure.

The defence team insists that essential materials needed to prepare their case were missing from the documents already filed by the State. Wontumi and Akonta Mining are facing trial over allegations of allowing mining activities on their Samreboi concession without the required permits.

Proceedings on Tuesday, November 25, which were scheduled for a case management conference to set the stage for trial, took a different turn when lead defence counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, informed the court of plans to file a formal application for additional disclosures.

This followed the prosecution’s insistence that the documents submitted on October 31 and November 11 represent the full set of evidence they intend to rely on. However, Appiah-Kubi argued that the defence had expected further materials in the State’s possession that, even if not tendered as evidence, could still aid their preparation.

He explained that although a motion for full disclosure had already been drafted, it was yet to be filed, prompting a request for more time. The presiding judge subsequently directed the defence to file and serve the application on the prosecution when ready.

The court also ordered the accused persons to submit the names and addresses of all prospective witnesses, should the prosecution succeed in establishing a prima facie case.

The case has been adjourned to December 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., when the defence’s application for additional disclosures is expected to be heard.