The case involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako known as Chairman Wontumi, has been adjourned by the Accra High Court.

The matter has been scheduled for March 16, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on whether Chairman Wontumi should proceed to open his defence or be discharged in the Samreboi galamsey case, following his submission of a no-case-to-answer motion.

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Wontumi is standing trial alongside his company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, over allegations that they allowed Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister.

He, together with other accused persons, has been charged with six counts, including permitting the two individuals to undertake mining activities on the concession without authorisation and facilitating unlicensed mining.

His submission requests the court to acquit him of the charges brought against him.

It would be recalled that in February 2026, the Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai, indicated that the state will oppose any attempt to have the case against Chairman Wontumi thrown out.

Justice Sai explained that the prosecution called four witnesses to present their evidence.

The first witness, a galamsey headman arrested at the Akonta Mining office on the concession, testified that he supervised several individuals engaged in galamsey activities.

The second witness, the headman’s employer, confirmed an arrangement with Chairman Wontumi to conduct galamsey on the concession and reclaim land, highlighting how Wontumi allegedly used his political influence to secure national security protection for these activities.

A police detective, the third witness, presented investigative statements, including one in which Chairman Wontumi admitted giving part of the Samreboi concession to the second witness for land reclamation, but not for galamsey, and without any monetary exchange.

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The fourth witness, a mining law and regulation expert, explained that allowing another party to conduct mining on a concession requires ministerial approval, which Akonta Mining did not have.

Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers have since argued that the evidence presented is insufficient to require him to defend himself.

MAG/VPO

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