An Accra High Court has dismissed a no-case submission filed by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The court subsequently ordered the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman to open his defence in an alleged illegal mining case.
Justice Audrey Kokuvie Tay ruled on Monday that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against Mr Boasiako, his company Akonta Mining, and Mr Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large, warranting them to explain the evidence adduced against them.
The accused persons are standing trial for allegedly undertaking mining operations on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the consent of the sector minister.
They are also accused of permitting two individuals to undertake mining activities on the concession without authority and facilitating those operations.
Lawyers for Mr Boasiako had filed a submission of no case, arguing that after the prosecution called four witnesses who were cross-examined, the State had “woefully failed” to establish the essential ingredients of the charges preferred against their client.
