A High Court in Accra has ruled that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, and his company Akonta Mining Limited must face trial. The court dismissed their submission of no case to answer.
The charges involve illegal mining activities on a concession located in Samreboi. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay presided over the case.
The court found that there was sufficient evidence presented by the prosecution for the defense to begin. Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited must now present their case.
This legal action follows accusations of engaging in 'galamsey', the local term for illegal small-scale mining, which is a significant environmental concern.
The ruling means the legal process will continue, with the defense expected to provide their arguments and evidence.