The legal team of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has challenged key aspects of the prosecution’s evidence in the ongoing case involving alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest.
During court proceedings on Monday, the defense cross-examined the prosecution’s witness, who serves as the lead investigator in the case.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, lawyer Gyan disclosed that the investigator admitted under cross-examination that the docket he relied on was prepared in 2025, despite investigations into the matter having commenced in 2022.
“The witness said he inherited the docket after investigations had already commenced and admitted that there were aspects of the case that he had limited knowledge of,” Lawyer Gyan stated.
According to him, the investigator also informed the court that a machine identified as PW2 was registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in the name of Owusu Bempah.
However, the defense argued that the registration of the machine does not automatically establish ownership by either Akonta Mining Limited or Chairman Wontumi.
“The mere registration of a machine in the name of Owusu Bempah does not automatically prove that it belongs to Akonta Mining Limited or Chairman Wontumi,” Lawyer Andy Appiah Kubi argued before the court.
The defense further maintained that the prosecution witness had confirmed that investigations were already underway before he became involved in the case.
“The prosecution witness confirmed before the court that he inherited the docket and that investigations had already been conducted prior to his involvement. The evidence presented so far does not conclusively link Chairman Wontumi to the alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest,” the defense stated.
The case has been adjourned as proceedings continue.