The Republic’s case against Chairman Wontumi and two co-accused persons, Kwame Antwi and Akonta Mining Limited, has been closed, with the State calling four witnesses to testify.
The core accusation is that Chairman Wontumi allegedly gave his mining concession in Samreboi to others for galamsey without obtaining the required ministerial approval.
The witnesses testified that:
– A galamsey headman supervised activities on the concession
– The headman’s employer had an arrangement with Chairman Wontumi for galamsey and land reclamation
– Chairman Wontumi used political influence for national security protection
– Ministerial approval is required for concession transfers
Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers plan to submit a “no case” argument, claiming insufficient evidence. They have 14 days to do so, and the State’s attorneys will oppose.