The Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai, has outlined the prosecution’s next steps in the ongoing trial involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Biasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
He indicated that the state will vigorously oppose any attempt to halt the case prematurely.
In a Facebook post on February 4, Justice Srem Sai disclosed that state prosecutors have formally closed the Republic’s case against Chairman Wontumi, his company Akonta Mining Limited, and a second accused person, Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large.
According to the Deputy Attorney-General, the central allegation is that Chairman Wontumi unlawfully permitted illegal mining on his Samreboi concession without obtaining the mandatory ministerial approval.
He noted that the prosecution called four witnesses to substantiate its case.
He explained that the first witness, described as a galamsey headman, was arrested at an Akonta Mining office on the concession and testified that he supervised illegal mining operations on the site.
The second witness, identified as the headman’s employer, told the court that he entered into an arrangement with Chairman Wontumi to conduct mining and land reclamation activities, adding that the NPP regional chairman allegedly used his political influence to secure national security protection for the operations.
Justice Srem Sai further stated that a police detective tendered key investigative statements, including one in which Chairman Wontumi admitted granting part of the concession for reclamation purposes, though he denied authorising illegal mining.
A mining law expert also testified that ministerial approval is required before a concession holder can allow another party to undertake mining or reclamation, and confirmed that Akonta Mining lacked such authorisation.
The Deputy Attorney-General revealed that lawyers for Chairman Wontumi have informed the court of their intention to file a no-case submission.
He is arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case. He noted that the defence has 14 days to file the application and stressed that the state will strongly oppose the move.
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