The criminal trial of The Republic v. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 Others has officially concluded following the testimony and discharge of the defense’s fifth and final witness today.
With the presentation of evidence and witness testimonies now complete, the presiding judge has adjourned the case and scheduled the delivery of the final judgment for July 3.
The court fixed the date for judgment after the defence called its final witness, Evans Addae, an assembly member for the Samreboi Atigarikrom Electoral Area in the Western Region.
The aspiring National Chairman for the NPP and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, are standing trial over allegations of facilitating mining activities on the Samreboi concession without ministerial approval, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
At the end of the proceedings, the court directed parties who wished to file written addresses to do so on or before June 17, 2026.
Mr Addae, who was called as a substitute defence witness, adopted his statement and testified that while illicit mining had persisted on the Samreboi concession since 2021, these operations were not ordered by the defendants.
To back his claims, he submitted a flash drive containing video footage from 24 May 2026. Defence counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi maintained that the film proved unlawful mining was persisting on-site without any involvement or authorisation from the accused.
The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the flash drive’s admission, contending that the date on the footage rendered it irrelevant to charges concerning events from 2025.
He stated, “The issues before this court relate to matters that we allege occurred in 2025. The video is therefore of no relevance to the issues in this trial,” Dr Srem-Sai also argued that the film was self-serving, filmed whilst proceedings were active, and failed to verify the precise location shown.
Countering this, Mr Appiah-Kubi cited Section 60(1) of the Evidence Act, 1975 (NRCD 323), asserting the video was material because it supported the witness’s claim that ongoing illegal mining was unrelated to Akonta Mining Limited.
The judge ultimately accepted the flash drive into evidence, noting its value would be assessed in due course.
During cross-examination, Mr Addae stated that despite knowing Chairman Wontumi, he had never spoken to him or spotted him on the Samreboi concession.
Prompted on whether Chairman Wontumi could have gone to the site without his knowledge, the witness answered, “No idea. I have never seen the first accused person on the Samreboi concession.” He added that he was unaware if Chairman Wontumi had directed anyone to operate there.
The prosecution highlighted areas of his statement where he labelled prosecution witness Michael Ayisi Adu as a notorious illegal miner. Mr Addae verified he had spotted Mr Adu at the concession repeatedly but confessed he had never alerted the police, Akonta Mining Limited, or any other regulatory body.
Following this evidence, Mr Appiah-Kubi concluded the case for the defence, telling the court, “That will be the end of the case of A1 and A3,” The court has set the final judgment date for 3 July 2026.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana