Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Akonta Mining have announced their intention to seek a court order compelling the prosecution to release further documents deemed critical for their defense in the ongoing illegal mining case.
The legal team asserts that essential materials necessary for preparing their case were missing from the disclosures provided by the State. Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining are facing trial on allegations of conducting mining operations on their Samreboi concession without the necessary approvals.
During a hearing on Tuesday, November 25, which was intended to set the stage for the trial with a case management conference, lead defense counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi informed the court of their plan to file a formal application for additional disclosures. This announcement came after the prosecution insisted that the documents submitted on October 31 and November 11 represent the complete set of materials they plan to use during the trial.
Appiah-Kubi argued that the defense had anticipated supplementary disclosures, including documents held by the prosecution that may not be presented as evidence but could still aid the accused during case management. He noted that while a motion seeking full disclosure had been drafted, it had not yet been filed, leading to the request for additional time.
The presiding judge instructed the defense to file and serve the motion on the prosecution as soon as it is ready. The court also directed the accused to submit the names and addresses of all witnesses they intend to call if the prosecution establishes a prima facie case.
The case has been adjourned until December 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., when the court is expected to hear the defense’s application for additional disclosures. This legal maneuver underscores the intensifying battle as the defense seeks to ensure they have all necessary information to mount a robust challenge against the allegations.
