Bernard Antwi Boasiako to recall witness in Akonta Mining trial

An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, has granted Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), permission to recall a prosecution witness for further cross-examination. The ruling follows a legal application in the ongoing trial concerning alleged unauthorized mining activities conducted by Akonta Mining Company Limited in the Tano Nnimire Forest. Boasiako, commonly known as Wontumi, is facing charges alongside his company for operating in a protected forest reserve without valid permits, which included the unauthorized felling of trees and the erection of structures.

The decision to recall the witness, Mr. Edward Akuoku, was made after Boasiako’s lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, moved an application for further questioning. Although the prosecution initially signaled opposition to the request, they ultimately withdrew their objection during the court proceedings. This procedural development allows the defense to revisit testimony provided by the state's witness as they seek to contest the allegations of illegal activity within the forest reserve. The defense's strategy appears focused on intensive cross-examination to challenge the core evidence presented by the prosecution.

The case against Akonta Mining has drawn significant public attention due to the high profile of the accused and the government's ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Justice Aryeetey has adjourned the case to November 18, 2026, when the trial is expected to continue with the cross-examination of the recalled witness. This upcoming phase of the trial will be pivotal in determining the liability of the NPP regional chairman and his business entity in relation to environmental law violations.