A High Court in Accra has dismissed Chairman Wontumi’s application to dismiss the case, ordering him to defend himself against allegations of unauthorised mining.
Justice Audrey Kokuvie Tay ruled that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence against Wontumi, his firm Akonta Mining, and Kwame Antwi (currently at large), requiring them to respond.
The trio faces charges of conducting mining operations without approval and permitting others to mine on the Samreboi concession without authority. Wontumi’s lawyers claimed the prosecution failed to prove the charges, but the State argued that evidence showed Wontumi’s complicity.
The court concurred, citing Wontumi’s own statements and indications of financial and operational support for the mining activities. The trial will now move to the defence stage, attracting attention to the ongoing galamsey controversy
