The Accra High Court has ordered Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the New Patriotic Party's Ashanti regional chairman, to begin his defence. He is also referred to as Chairman Wontumi.
The court made this decision on Monday, March 16. This is in connection with a case involving illegal mining activities.
The alleged illegal mining took place on a concession owned by Chairman Wontumi at Samreboi. This location is in the Western Region of Ghana.
Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining, are facing charges related to the mining operations.
The Judicial Service confirmed the court's order for the defence to commence.
Further details of the charges were not immediately disclosed by the Judicial Service.
The case will proceed as Chairman Wontumi now presents his side of the story to the court.