Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer has filed a submission of no case, seeking the court to dismiss the case against him on the basis of what they claim is a lack of substantial evidence.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has urged the High Court to acquit and discharge him in the case in which he is accused of permitting two individuals to mine on his concession without ministerial approval.
His counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, presented the submission of no case to the High Court and argued that the Attorney-General (A-G) had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant Chairman Wontumi and his Akonta Mining Company Ltd. being called upon to open their defence. He added that the evidence presented fails to establish prima facie elements.
“Having regard to the evidence adduced by the prosecution and the essential elements of the offences charged, it is respectfully submitted that the prosecution has woefully failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused persons on all six counts”.
The Attorney-General has charged Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, with six counts of permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without obtaining prior approval from the sector minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining.
A submission of no case would allow the accused person to argue that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, requiring them to open their defence.
If the trial court upholds the submission, the accused will be discharged. If it is dismissed, they are required to open their defence.
The court is set to give a final verdict on the case on March 10, 2026, which will determine whether the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party will present his defence or not.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
