A judge has ordered Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, to defend themselves in court. The charges they face involve illegal mining activities.
The case concerns the Samraboi concession. The court decided there is enough evidence to proceed.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay presided over the High Court in Accra. The judge ruled that the submission of no case to answer was not sufficient.
This means the accused must now present their side of the story. They will have to explain their actions regarding the concession.
The charges are related to alleged galamsey operations. Galamsey refers to illegal small-scale mining.
The court's decision allows the legal process to continue. The next step involves the defense presenting its evidence.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party is a central figure in this case. His company is also directly involved.
This ruling signifies that the prosecution has presented a case that warrants a response from the defendants.