NPP Chairman Wontumi Trial: Prosecution Closes Case, Court Grants 14 Days for No-Case Submission
The prosecution in the trial of Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has formally closed its case.
The closure came after the fourth and final prosecution witness — an expert from the Minerals Commission — concluded his testimony on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, the witness confirmed that the Minerals Commission had no record of any valid permit or legal assignment linking Wontumi’s company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, to the mining operations in question.
He reiterated that any mining activity without a licence or authority is criminalised under the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).
After the witness stepped down, the defence prayed the court for four weeks to prepare and file a submission of no case.
A submission of no case (under Section 173 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Procedure) Act, 1960) allows the accused to argue that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, potentially leading to discharge without opening a defence.
Presiding Judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay declined the four-week request and granted the defence 14 days to file the submission.
The case has been adjourned to February 18, 2026.
Wontumi and others face charges related to illegal mining activities. The trial has drawn significant public and political attention given the accused’s prominent role within the NPP.
