Proceedings at High Court Criminal Court 4 turned tense on Thursday as presiding judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay clashed with lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, during his ongoing illegal mining trial.
The prosecution alleges that mining activities were carried out at a concession in Samreboi without the required approval from the sector minister, contrary to Ghana’s mining laws.
During proceedings on May 7, 2026, the court attempted to set dates for the defence to open its case. However, defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi objected to the proposed dates and requested longer adjournments.
The disagreement prompted a sharp response from Justice Kocuvie-Tay, who questioned the defence’s resistance to the court’s schedule.
“Where’s the rush? You don’t want me to do the case? I have considered all your dates and, in some cases, shifted my sessions to the afternoon to accommodate you. What do you want me to do again?” the judge asked.
The judge also addressed growing public criticism over delays in high-profile cases linked to Operation Recover All Loot, insisting that lawyers must also take responsibility for the slow pace of proceedings.
“When you go and sit on TV and people are insulting the judiciary for the delay in cases, don’t sit there and look at them, tell them you are the one contributing to it,” she stated.
Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai supported the court’s position, arguing that a speedy trial was also in the interest of the accused.
According to him, the prosecution had already made several concessions and was willing to sit three times a week, rejecting the defence’s proposal for one sitting weekly.
“My Lady, we have accommodated the defence enough; the defence cannot dictate the pace of this trial,” he argued.
The case has been adjourned to May 14, 2026, for a case management conference as Chairman Wontumi prepares to open his defence.
