The prosecution in the trial of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, has closed its case.
This follows the conclusion of testimony from the fourth and final prosecution witness, an expert from the Minerals Commission, on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
During cross-examination by Andy Appiah-Kubi, counsel for Chairman Wontumi, the witness confirmed that there was no record at the Minerals Commission of any permit or legal assignment involving the accused persons in relation to the mining rights raised in the trial.
The witness stated that if there is any evidence to the contrary, it would be a matter stipulated under 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 and other state agencies.
The witness responded by restating elements of his witness statement, noting that in their line of duty, they encounter individuals acting in violation of mining laws, and such acts without a licence, permit, or authority have been criminalised under Act 995.
After the cross-examination, the defence counsel requested four weeks to file a submission of no case.
A submission of no case, provided for under Section 173 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), allows accused persons to argue that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, meaning there is insufficient evidence to require them to open their defence.
If the court upholds such a submission, the accused are discharged. If not, they are directed 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.
Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited, and Kwame Antwi (a director of the company who is currently on the run) face charges related to alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
They have been charged with two counts of assignment of mineral rights without approval and two counts of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation.
The accused persons have pleaded not guilty and were granted bail pending trial.