The Court of Appeal Ghana has dismissed an application by lawyers for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to halt his ongoing criminal trial at the High Court.
Attempt to Stop Trial Fails
The defence had requested a stay of proceedings pending an interlocutory appeal challenging an earlier ruling by the trial judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
That ruling directed Wontumi to open his defence in a case involving allegations that he permitted unauthorised mining activities on his concession at Samreboi.
Court’s Decision
In its ruling on April 21, 2026, the Court of Appeal held that the application did not establish any exceptional circumstances to justify halting the trial.
This follows an earlier rejection of a similar request by the High Court Ghana.
Trial to Continue
The decision effectively clears the way for proceedings to continue at the High Court, with the substantive criminal case remaining active.
Next Legal Steps
Lawyers for Chairman Wontumi say they are reviewing their options, which may include:
Filing a fresh application at the Supreme Court of Ghana
Proceeding to open their defence at the High Court
Background
The case centres on allegations that Wontumi allowed illegal mining operations on his Samreboi concession without proper authorisation—claims he is contesting.
The latest ruling marks another legal setback in his attempt to pause proceedings, keeping the spotlight firmly on the ongoing trial.
