The state has closed its case in the Republic v Akonta Mining and two others, heard at the Accra Criminal Court. State prosecutors and CID investigators from the Ghana Police Service presented their case, calling three witnesses to testify. The witnesses included two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.
The two former employees testified to Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako's deep involvement in Akonta Mining Company's alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve. The police detective tendered in evidence drone footage, audio-visual materials, and official communications to support the testimonies of the two former Akonta Mining employees.
The accused persons, through cross-examination of the witnesses, sought to dissociate themselves from every mining activity in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve. At the close of the prosecution's case, counsel for the accused persons asked the court to allow him to call the first prosecution witness back into the witness box for further cross-examination.
The court granted the request, giving counsel up to Friday, October 30, to file a formal motion to recall the witnesses. The case has been adjourned to November 4 for the motion to be heard.
In a related development, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana's prison system. Dr. Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi's observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
Chairman Wontumi's experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service. He believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare, and productivity. One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances, and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Chairman Wontumi has proposed several reforms, including the construction of a modern prison hospital, regulated conjugal visits, and proper classification of inmates. He has also called for greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions.
Key points
- The prosecution closed its case against Akonta Mining and two others, calling three witnesses to testify on alleged illegal mining activities.
- Chairman Wontumi has called for major reforms in Ghana's prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and regulated conjugal visits.
- The case against Akonta Mining has been adjourned to November 4 for the motion to be heard.
