The prosecution has concluded presenting its evidence in the trial of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and other accused persons over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve.
The Republic formally closed its case at the Accra Criminal Court after presenting three witnesses, including two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a police detective involved in the investigation.
During their testimony, the two former employees gave accounts of Mr Antwi Boasiako’s alleged connection to mining operations within the protected forest reserve. Their evidence forms part of the prosecution’s attempt to establish the allegations against the accused persons.
The police detective, meanwhile, presented drone footage, audiovisual recordings and official correspondence as evidence in support of the accounts provided by the former employees. The materials were intended to assist the court in examining the allegations surrounding the activities of Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve.
The prosecution further maintained that the accused persons had, during cross examination, sought to disassociate themselves from the alleged mining operations in the protected area.
Following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, counsel for the accused persons informed the court of his intention to seek permission to recall the first prosecution witness for further questioning. The defence is seeking an opportunity to continue examining the witness as part of its efforts to challenge the evidence presented by the Republic.
The court has directed the defence to file a formal application for the witness to be recalled by Friday, October 30, 2026.
The matter has subsequently been adjourned to November 4, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the application.
The proceedings mark the end of the prosecution’s presentation of evidence at this stage of the trial, although the court is yet to determine whether the allegations against Mr Antwi Boasiako and his co accused persons have been established. The case remains ongoing, and the allegations must be determined through the judicial process.
