The Accra High Court has convicted the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, on six charges relating to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession after dismissing his last-minute application to defer judgment.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay rejected the defence’s application, describing it as “incompetent and moot,” before proceeding to deliver judgment in one of Ghana’s most closely watched illegal mining prosecutions. The ruling marks a significant development in the country’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The application to postpone the judgment was filed by Wontumi’s new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, who argued that he required additional time to obtain certified records of proceedings and prepare comprehensive written submissions after taking over the case from former lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi.
The defence also challenged the constitutionality of Section 14(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), arguing that the provision is vague and inconsistent with the fair trial guarantees under Article 19(11) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Counsel asked the High Court to refer the constitutional question to the Supreme Court or, alternatively, acquit and discharge his client.
Attorney-General Opposed the Motion
The Office of the Attorney-General opposed the application, arguing that it amounted to an abuse of the court process intended to delay justice.
According to the prosecution, Wontumi had been represented by lawyers of his choice throughout the trial, and any records required by the new legal team should have been obtained from the outgoing lawyers rather than through an application to delay the proceedings.
The State further argued that granting the request would undermine the efficient administration of justice and unnecessarily prolong the criminal trial.
Conviction on Illegal Mining Charges
Following the dismissal of the deferment application, Justice Kocuvie-Tay proceeded with the judgment and found Chairman Wontumi guilty on six counts linked to illegal mining operations on the Samreboi concession.
The charges stemmed from allegations that Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited assigned mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and deliberately facilitated unlicensed mining operations, contrary to Ghana’s mining laws.
A Landmark Illegal Mining Case
The conviction of Chairman Wontumi is expected to have significant political and legal implications, given his prominent position within the opposition NPP and the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining.
The case has attracted nationwide attention and is widely viewed as one of Ghana’s most high-profile prosecutions involving alleged breaches of the Minerals and Mining Act.
More updates soon…
