Lawyers representing the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining have indicated their intention to apply for a court order compelling the prosecution to release additional documents they say are critical to their defence.
According to the legal team, key materials necessary for preparing their case were missing from the disclosures filed by the State.
Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining are facing trial over allegations that they permitted mining operations on their Samreboi concession without the requisite approvals.
The hearing on Tuesday, November 25, was scheduled as a case management conference to lay the groundwork for the trial. However, lead defence counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi informed the court that a formal application for additional disclosures would be filed.
This development followed the prosecution’s insistence that the documents submitted on October 31 and November 11 “constitute the complete set of materials they intend to rely on during the trial.”
Appiah-Kubi stated that the defence had anticipated supplementary disclosures — “including documents in the prosecution’s possession that may not be tendered in evidence but could nonetheless assist the accused during case management.” He added that although the defence had already drafted a motion seeking full disclosure, it had not yet been filed, prompting a request for more time.
The presiding judge directed the defence to file and serve the motion on the prosecution once ready. The court also ordered the accused to submit the names and addresses of all witnesses they intend to call at trial, should the prosecution establish a prima facie case.
The matter has been adjourned to December 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., when the defence’s application for additional disclosures is expected to be heard.
