The prosecution will open its case against the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, on January 12, 2026, when its first witness is expected to testify before the court.
The case, which centres on allegations that Chairman Wontumi allowed mining activities on his Samreboi concession without the requisite permission, was adjourned for trial after the prosecution concluded its disclosures.
At the Wednesday, December 17 proceedings, the court noted that the prosecution had completed all disclosures and, in the absence of any pending applications, ordered that the matter be set down for trial.
As part of its disclosures, the prosecution filed several documents, including witness statements attached to Detective Inspector Safo Asiedu’s statement.
The disclosed materials also include an amount of GHS157,000, live BB cartridges, an investigation caution statement dated April 18, and charge statements of Michael Badu Ayisi.
The prosecution further filed a cautioned statement of Chairman Wontumi dated May 26, and his charge statement dated July 1, 2025.
Also included in the disclosures is an investigative report into a fire outbreak at Sameaboi near the Samatex Company, which the prosecution considers relevant to the case.
Additionally, the state filed a witness statement of Michael Badu Ayisi dated October 31, 2025, as well as another witness statement, forming the full body of documents relied upon by the prosecution.
Following the court’s directions, the prosecution is expected to call witnesses on multiple dates.
After the first witness testifies on January 12, 2026, the case will continue on January 13, 15, 19, 20, 26, and 29, and later on February 3, 4, 10, 12, and 15.
