The prosecution has announced the closure of its case in the criminal trial involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and two others over alleged offences relating to the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. Meanwhile, proceedings in a separate case involving Exim Bank have been adjourned to November 3, 2026.
Prosecution Closes Case in Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve Trial
At Criminal Court 1, the cross-examination of the fourth prosecution witness, a police investigator, concluded in the case of Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako & 3 Ors (Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve Case).
Following the conclusion of the witness’s testimony, the prosecution, led by the Deputy Attorney-General, informed the court that the investigator would be its final witness, bringing the State’s presentation of evidence to a close.
Immediately after the announcement, counsel for the accused, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, informed the court of his intention to formally apply for permission to recall and further cross-examine the first prosecution witness, Mr Edward Akuoko.
The proposed application introduces a further procedural issue for the court to determine, notwithstanding the prosecution’s announcement that it has concluded presenting its evidence.
Based on an assurance given by Mr Atta Akyea, the court directed him to file the application by Friday, October 30, 2026. The prosecution has until Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to file its response.
The application is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
What Does the Closure of the Prosecution’s Case Mean?
The closure of the prosecution’s case means that the State has finished presenting the evidence it intends to rely on to establish the charges against the accused persons. It does not mean that the trial has ended or that the accused persons have been found guilty.
The court must still determine the appropriate next procedural step. Depending on the applicable procedure and the evidence presented, the court may be called upon to consider whether the prosecution has established a case requiring the accused persons to answer. If the court finds that there is a case to answer, the defence will ordinarily have the opportunity to present its case.
In the present matter, the court must also consider Mr Atta Akyea’s proposed application to recall the first prosecution witness before determining how that application affects the subsequent proceedings.
Exim Bank Case Adjourned to November 3
Meanwhile, the case management conference in Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako & 2 Ors (Exim Bank Case), before General Jurisdiction 2, has been adjourned to Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
The adjournment follows the filing of all relevant disclosures by the prosecution.
The case management conference is expected to continue the court’s efforts to prepare the matter for its subsequent stages.
What Happens Next?
The next significant development in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve case will be the hearing of Mr Atta Akyea’s application to recall and further cross-examine the first prosecution witness on November 4.
In the Exim Bank case, proceedings will resume on November 3 for a further case management conference.
Although both cases involve Mr Boasiako, they are separate proceedings and will continue according to their respective schedules.
