Prosecution closes case against Wontumi, two others in Tano-Nimire illegal mining trial

The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of former Ashanti Regional NPP chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, and two others accused of illegal mining in the Tano-Nimire Forest Reserve.

The State, according to a report by myjoyonline.com, rested its case at the Accra Criminal Court after calling three witnesses, two former employees of Akonta Mining Company Limited and a detective from the Ghana Police Service.

The prosecution said the two former employees testified about Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s alleged involvement in the company’s mining activities in the forest reserve. The detective supported their testimony by tendering drone footage, other audiovisual materials and official communications as evidence.

The prosecution also said that under cross-examination the accused persons tried to distance themselves from mining in the reserve.

After the State closed its case, counsel for the accused asked the court to let him recall the first prosecution witness for further cross-examination. The court gave the defence until Friday, October 30, to file a formal application for the recall, and adjourned the case to November 4.

The court is yet to determine the allegations against Mr Antwi-Boasiako and the other accused persons.