The Accra High Court has adjourned the ongoing trial involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Chairman Wontumi, to 26 March, when he is expected to open his defence in an alleged illegal mining case.
The court previously ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Chairman Wontumi, his company Akonta Mining, and co-accused Mr. Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large. This means the accused must now respond to the evidence presented against them.
The case centers on allegations that the trio conducted mining operations at a concession in Samreboi, Western Region, without the sector minister’s approval. They are also accused of allowing two other individuals to undertake mining activities on the concession without authorization.
Earlier, lawyers for Chairman Wontumi had filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to prove the essential elements of the charges after presenting four witnesses. However, the State, led by Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, maintained that sufficient and credible evidence had been presented, leading the court to dismiss the submission.
With the adjournment to 26 March, the trial will now move to the defence stage, giving Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused the opportunity to present their side of the story.