The prosecution has confirmed it will present five witnesses in the ongoing case involving Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and three others, who stand accused of conducting illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
The disclosure was made during a Case Management Conference at the Accra High Court on Monday, March 16, 2026. Presiding Judge Ruby Aryeetey adjourned the proceedings to April 22, 2026, when the prosecution is scheduled to present its first witness.
Mr Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, is facing trial alongside his mining company, Akonta Mining, Mr Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large, and Mr Kwame Owusu Bempah, the firm’s Operations Manager.
Interestingly, Mr Edward Akuoko, who was initially charged, has now been made a prosecution witness after the charges against him were withdrawn.
The accused are alleged to have carried out unauthorized mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, cutting down approximately 300 trees and erecting structures without approval from the sector minister in 2022. Mr Boasiako faces additional charges for assigning mineral rights without proper authorization.
All accused persons have denied wrongdoing and were granted bail. The upcoming testimonies are expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged illegal activities and the role of each defendant, highlighting the judiciary’s efforts to hold individuals and companies accountable for environmental violations.
