State prosecutors in the criminal trial involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako — popularly known as Chairman Wontumi — came under renewed scrutiny on Wednesday after defence lawyers accused the prosecution of withholding essential documents needed for the case to proceed.
At a case management hearing before the Accra High Court, the defence insisted it could not move forward because the State had failed to release materials relating to two additional witnesses it recently introduced.
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The court, unable to advance the matter without disclosure, adjourned proceedings to December 8.
According to the defence, the prosecution appeared in court without the expected witness statements or supporting documents, despite earlier indicating it would file additional materials.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, lead counsel Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi said the defence would now file a formal motion compelling the State to make full disclosures.
“At the last adjourned date, the prosecution indicated they intended to file further documents. We have not been served with any. They now say there are no further documents, yet we believe some relevant documents remain in their possession,” he said.
He explained that the defence requires access to all materials — including those the prosecution does not intend to rely on — in order to adequately prepare.
“We will come in with a motion praying the court for an order directed at the prosecution to serve us the documents that we need,” Mr Appiah-Kubi added.
“If they cannot provide them, then we must presume such documents do not exist.”
Earlier in the proceedings, the court directed the defence to formally apply for the additional disclosures and to file the list and addresses of its own prospective witnesses should a prima facie case be established.
Senior State Attorney Priscilla Lartey told the court that the prosecution had already filed its disclosures and was ready for the Case Management Conference, but confirmed no further documents would be submitted.
The case stems from allegations that Wontumi, as Director of Akonta Mining Company Limited, facilitated unlicensed mining activities on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
A second director, Kwame Antwi — currently at large — is separately accused of assigning mineral rights without approval. The company itself has also been joined to the suit.
Chairman Wontumi has pleaded not guilty and remains on GH₵15 million bail with three sureties.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay adjourned the matter to December 8, when the defence is expected to move its application for further disclosures.
