Court Gives Wontumi Final Deadline to File Witness Statement in Illegal Mining Case
The Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra has granted Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, a final opportunity to file his witness statement in the ongoing illegal mining case linked to Akonta Mining.
Presiding judge, Audrey Kocouvi-Tey, issued the directive after the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) failed to meet an earlier deadline of April 14, 2026.
New deadline set
The court has now ordered Wontumi to file his witness statements by May 5, 2026, ahead of a case management conference scheduled for May 7.
The judge also ruled that proceedings will continue regardless of a pending application at the Court of Appeal.
Legal battle intensifies
Wontumi is facing trial over allegations that he permitted unauthorised mining activities on his concession in Samreboi.
After the prosecution closed its case, the court directed him to open his defence, with options including testifying personally, calling witnesses, or making an unsworn statement.
However, instead of filing his witness statements, his legal team pursued an appeal challenging the dismissal of a submission of no case and sought to halt proceedings.
At the latest hearing, his lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, requested an adjournment, citing a fresh application for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal.
Prosecution pushes back
The request was strongly opposed by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai, who described the move as a delay tactic.
He argued that filing a repeat application does not automatically halt proceedings and urged the court to proceed, citing what he described as the accused’s failure to mount a defence.
Court rejects adjournment
Justice Kocouvi-Tey dismissed the request for adjournment, insisting that the trial must proceed while awaiting any decision from the Court of Appeal.
The ruling sets the stage for a crucial phase in the trial, as Wontumi must now decide whether to formally present his defence or risk further legal consequences.
