The Accra High Court has ordered Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the New Patriotic Party's Ashanti regional chairman, known as Chairman Wontumi, to open his defence. This action relates to allegations of illegal mining activities on his concession located at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The court issued this directive on Monday, March 16. Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining, are named in the proceedings.
This development follows a submission by the prosecution urging the court to dismiss any defence arguments presented by Chairman Wontumi's team. Previous reports also mentioned that Ghc50 million was frozen in Chairman Wontumi's accounts.
The case involves alleged illegal mining operations. The seizure of 397 cannabis slabs after a crash in Techiman and the arrest of nine individuals for undeclared tramadol at Tema Port are different cases and not related to this specific ruling.
The Nkroful District Court recently granted bail to two individuals in a separate illegal mining case. Also, the GRA customs division seized 560 suspected galamsey engines at the Tema port.
The court's decision marks a significant step in the legal process. It requires Chairman Wontumi and his company to actively participate in their defence.
The overall context includes ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining across the country. Recent actions include the destruction of 50 illegal mining machines on the Ankobra River by NARMOs.