ACCRA, Ghana — The illegal mining trial involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has concluded, with judgment scheduled for July 3, 2026.
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai announced on Wednesday, June 3, that the defence had called its fifth and final witness in the case, bringing the proceedings to a close.
In a social media post, Srem-Sai confirmed that the witness was discharged after testifying, marking the end of the trial in the case titled The Republic v Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 Others.
“The accused persons in the case – THE REPUBLIC v BERNARD ANTWI-BOASIAKO & 2 OTHERS – called their fifth and last witness today. The witness was discharged from the witness box a while ago. That brought the entire trial to an end. The judge has scheduled July 3 for judgment,” he stated.
Chairman Wontumi and his company are facing charges related to alleged illegal mining activities on a concession located in Samreboi.
According to prosecutors, mining operations were carried out on the concession by one Henry Okum without the required authorization. The prosecution further alleges that proceeds from the mining activities were used to fund reclamation works on degraded sections of the land.
The state has argued that evidence presented during the trial linked Wontumi to the mining operations and raised questions about the absence of documented payments for the reclamation works. Prosecutors contend that this could suggest that mining rights were effectively granted to the operator.
The defence, however, rejected the allegations and maintained that the arrangement was lawful. Lawyers for the accused argued that under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and Legislative Instrument 2176, a mining lease holder is permitted to engage service providers without transferring mineral rights.
Earlier in the proceedings, the High Court directed the defence to file any additional witnesses by May 28, warning that failure to do so would result in the closure of their case and pave the way for final judgment.
With both the prosecution and defence having completed their cases, the court is expected to deliver its verdict on July 3, 2026.
