Kumasi: The Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai, has declared that the state will contest any efforts to dismiss the case against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. Justice Sai made this announcement on social media, providing an update on the evidence presented against Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused.
According to Ghana Web, Justice Sai detailed that the primary accusation is that Chairman Wontumi permitted his mining concession in Samreboi to be used for illegal mining activities, known as galamsey, without securing the necessary ministerial approval. The state's case was closed by the attorneys, who outlined the allegations against Wontumi and his associates, Kwame Antwi, who remains at large, and Akonta Mining Limited.
Justice Sai explained that four witnesses were called by the prosecution to support their case. The first witness, identified as a galamsey headman, testified about overseeing illegal mining activities at the Akonta Mining office. The second witness, the headman's employer, testified to an agreement with Chairman Wontumi to carry out these activities, claiming that Wontumi leveraged his political connections for protection. A third witness, a police detective, presented statements from the investigation, including an admission by Wontumi regarding land reclamation. The fourth witness, an expert in mining law, clarified the legal requirement for ministerial approval, which was not obtained by Akonta Mining.
Chairman Wontumi's legal team plans to file a 'submission of no case', arguing that the evidence is insufficient for a defense. Justice Sai asserted that the state would oppose this submission, emphasizing the prosecution's commitment to continuing the legal proceedings. The decision on the submission will determine if Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused need to formally defend themselves or if the case will be dismissed due to lack of evidence.