Prosecution closes case in Wontumi Nimire forest illegal mining trial

The criminal trial of former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and two others over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimire Forest Reserve has reached another stage following the closure of the prosecution's case.

The development means the Republic has concluded the presentation of its evidence against the accused persons, subject to any further evidence the court may permit.

During the proceedings at the Accra Criminal Court, the prosecution relied on testimony from former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a police investigator to support its allegations concerning mining activities within the forest reserve.

Prosecution relies on former employees and police evidence

According to the prosecution, two former employees of Akonta Mining gave evidence concerning Wontumi's alleged involvement in the company's operations within the Tano-Nimire Forest Reserve.

Their testimonies formed part of the prosecution's attempt to establish a connection between the accused persons and the mining activities under investigation.

The court also received evidence from a detective of the Ghana Police Service, who presented materials gathered during investigations.

These included drone footage, audiovisual recordings and official correspondence relating to activities within the forest reserve.

The prosecution relied on these materials to support the accounts provided by the former employees.

During cross-examination, however, the accused persons, through their lawyers, challenged aspects of the prosecution's evidence and sought to distance themselves from the alleged mining operations.

Defence seeks to recall first prosecution witness

Following the closure of the prosecution's case, lawyers for the accused persons informed the court of their intention to recall the first prosecution witness for further cross-examination.

The request would allow the defence to question the witness again on matters arising from the evidence presented during the trial, subject to the court's approval.

The court directed the defence to file a formal application by Friday, October 30, 2026, setting out the grounds for recalling the witness.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to November 4, 2026, when the application is expected to be considered.

Court yet to determine allegations

The closure of the prosecution's case does not amount to a determination of the criminal charges against Wontumi and the other accused persons.

The court must still consider the outstanding procedural issues and determine the appropriate next steps in the proceedings.

For now, the defence's request to recall the first prosecution witness remains pending, while the allegations relating to illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimire Forest Reserve are yet to be finally determined by the court.