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Lawyers for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, and Akonta Mining have signalled their intention to apply for a court order compelling the prosecution to release additional documents they say are essential to their defence.
According to the legal team, key materials needed to prepare their case were missing from the State’s disclosures.
Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi”, and Akonta Mining are standing trial over allegations that they permitted mining operations on their Samreboi concession without the requisite approvals.
The hearing on Tuesday, 25 November, which had been scheduled for a case management conference, was expected to lay the groundwork for the trial.
However, lead defence counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, informed the court that a formal application for further disclosure would be filed.
This followed the prosecution’s insistence that the documents submitted on 31 October and 11 November constitute the complete set of materials they intend to rely on during the trial.
Appiah-Kubi told the court that the defence had expected supplementary disclosures, including documents in the prosecution’s possession which may not be tendered in evidence but could nonetheless assist the accused during case management.
He noted that although the defence had already drafted a motion seeking full disclosure, it had not yet been filed, prompting the request for more time.
The presiding judge directed the defence to file and serve the motion on the prosecution once ready.
The court further ordered the accused persons 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 8 December 2025 at 10:00 a.m., when the defence’s application for additional disclosures is expected to be heard.
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