The Accra High Court has ordered Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to open his defence in the ongoing trial over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The order was issued on Thursday, April 2, 2026, by Justice Audrey Kokuvie Tay, following the dismissal of a “no-case submission” filed by the defence.
The judge ruled that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Mr. Boasiako, his company Akonta Mining, and a co-accused, Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large.
Charges Against the Accused
The accused are facing allegations of:
Undertaking mining operations on a concession at Samreboi without the approval of the sector minister.
Permitting other individuals to carry out mining activities on the concession without authorisation.
Facilitating such illegal operations.
Defence Argument and Court Ruling
Lawyers for Mr. Boasiako had argued that the prosecution failed to prove the essential elements of the charges, even after cross-examining four witnesses. However, the court disagreed, noting that the evidence presented raises a rebuttable presumption of wrongdoing.
With the no-case submission dismissed, the trial has now moved to the defence stage. Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining are required to file witness statements and present their case in response to the allegations.
The case continues to attract significant public attention due to the high profile of the accused and the sensitive nature of illegal mining issues in Ghana.
Source: Court proceedings at the Accra High Court (April 2, 2026)
