The Accra High Court has instructed Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, to open his defence in a case involving alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Presiding Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay gave Mr Boasiako three options for presenting his defence: he may remain silent, testify personally, or submit a written statement. The court granted him seven days to decide and scheduled his next appearance for March 26, 2026.
The ruling follows a submission of no case to answer filed by Mr Boasiako after the prosecution concluded its case, having presented four witnesses. The court determined that, based on the prosecution’s evidence, both Mr Boasiako and a co-accused, Mr Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large, must open their defence.
“From the evidence adduced by the prosecution, there is a rebuttable presumption that the first and third accused persons committed the offence,” the court noted.
Mr Andy Appiah Kubi, counsel for Mr Boasiako, indicated that the defence intended to obtain the full ruling before deciding on the next steps, which may include filing an appeal. He requested an adjournment to allow discussions with his client.
The accused faces allegations of conducting mining operations on a concession at Samreboi without the consent of the sector minister. The prosecution claims that Mr Boasiako, through his company Akonta Mining, permitted two individuals to carry out mining activities without authorization and facilitated their operations.
The defence argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case, asserting that the evidence presented by the four witnesses did not prove the essential elements of the charges.
In contrast, the prosecution maintained that its evidence demonstrated Mr Boasiako’s active involvement. It highlighted statements in which he allegedly admitted granting access to the concession and providing financial and logistical support for the unlawful mining operations.
The State emphasized that documentary evidence confirmed the absence of statutory approval for the mining activities, while witness testimony showed the deployment of machinery and extraction of gold.
The prosecution concluded that all essential elements of the charges had been established and urged the court to dismiss the submission of no case to answer, calling on the accused to formally open their defence.
