Court dismisses Chairman Wontumi’s ‘no case’ submission, orders defence

The directive was issued by the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, after the court dismissed a submission of no case filed by Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited.

The ruling means the accused must now present their defence in response to the charges brought against them by the prosecution.

Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are facing six counts of allegedly permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to undertake mining activities on the company’s concession without obtaining prior approval from the sector minister.

They are also accused of facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the court’s decision, the accused have been given seven days to inform the court of how they intend to proceed with their defence.

They are required to indicate whether they will remain silent and allow the court to determine the case based on the prosecution’s evidence, or whether Chairman Wontumi will testify in person and file witness statements from individuals he intends to call in his defence.