The prosecution has closed its case against former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and two others over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimire Forest Reserve.
The State concluded its presentation of evidence at the Accra Criminal Court on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after calling three witnesses to support its case.
The witnesses included two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.
According to the prosecution, the two former employees testified about Mr Antwi-Boasiako's alleged involvement in the company's mining activities within the protected forest reserve.
The police detective also presented drone footage, other audiovisual materials and official communications as evidence to support the testimonies of the former employees.
During cross-examination, the accused persons reportedly sought to distance themselves from the mining activities in the reserve.
Following the closure of the State's case, counsel for the accused persons requested permission from the court to recall the first prosecution witness for further cross-examination.
The court directed the defence to file a formal application by Friday, October 30, for the request to be considered.
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, November 4, 2026, for the court to hear the application.
The prosecution's decision to close its case marks the end of its presentation of evidence. However, the trial is not over, as the court is yet to determine whether the accused persons have a case to answer.
The allegations against Mr Antwi-Boasiako and the other accused persons remain before the court and have not yet been determined.
