The Accra high court has set July 3, 2026, for judgment in a case involving businessman and opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regional chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Limited over alleged illegal mining activities.
The Accra High Court fixed the date after the defence closed its case on Wednesday following testimony from its final witness, Evans Addae, an assembly member in the Western Region.
Wontumi and Akonta Mining face charges of facilitating mining operations on a concession at Samreboi without ministerial approval, in breach of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
The court also directed parties wishing to file written submissions to do so by June 17 ahead of judgment.
Testifying for the defence, Addae said illegal mining had been ongoing on the concession since 2021 and continued to date, but said the activities were not linked to Wontumi or Akonta Mining.
He tendered a pen drive containing video footage recorded on May 24, 2026, which defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi said showed ongoing illegal mining by individuals not associated with the accused.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai opposed the admission of the footage, arguing it was irrelevant as the charges relate to alleged offences in 2025 and that the recording was made during the trial period.
He also questioned the authenticity and location of the footage.
The court admitted the evidence, saying it would determine its weight during judgment.
Under cross-examination, Addae said he knew Wontumi but had never met him and had not seen him at the Samreboi concession. He also said he did not know whether the accused had given any instructions related to mining activities.
The witness further admitted he had not reported an alleged illegal miner he identified in court to police or other authorities.
Defence counsel subsequently closed its case, telling the court: “That will be the end of the case of A1 and A3.”
Judgment is expected on July 3, 2026.
