The High Court in Accra has instructed Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, and his company Akonta Mining Limited to present their defence.
They are facing charges concerning illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey, on a concession in Samreboi.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who is presiding over the case, dismissed a submission made by Mr. Boasiako.
This submission aimed to have the case dismissed before they had to present their side of the story.
The court's decision means the legal process will continue, and both Mr. Boasiako and Akonta Mining Limited must now respond to the allegations.
The charges stem from alleged galamsey operations on their Samreboi concession.
The ruling signifies a significant step forward in the prosecution of the case.
Further court proceedings will determine the outcome of the galamsey charges.