Accra, Nov. 12, GNA – An Accra High Court has granted the defence in the trial of Bernard Antwi Boasiako leave to recall the first prosecution witness for further cross-examination.
The decision followed an application by Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, to recall the witness, Mr Edward Akuoku.
At Thursday’s sitting, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney-General, informed the court that the prosecution wished to withdraw its affidavit opposing the application.
He said he had conferred with defence counsel, who indicated that the further cross-examination of the witness would take about two hours.
“In view of that we wish to withdraw our affidavit in opposition,” he said.
Mr Atta Akyea told the court that the defence did not intend to reopen its case.
The court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, granted the defence leave to recall the witness.
The case was adjourned to Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
Boasiako, a former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is standing trial alongside his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, over alleged illegal mining activities in the Tano Nnimire Forest in the Western Region.
The two are facing charges relating to alleged mining operations without a licence in the forest.
The prosecution alleges that Boasiako felled about 300 merchantable trees and erected structures in the forest without written permission from the Forestry Commission.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Joyce Danso