Court sets July 3 for judgment in Wontumi galamsey case
By DL News
Published
Updated
2 min read
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai announced the development in a social media post on Wednesday, June 3.
The illegal mining trial involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has formally ended, with judgment fixed for July 3, 2026.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai announced the development in a social media post on Wednesday, June 3.
According to him, the accused persons called their fifth and final witness before the court, after which the witness was discharged.
That, he said, brought proceedings in The Republic v Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 Others to a close.
“The Accused Persons in the case – THE REPUBLIC v BERNARD ANTWI-BOASIAKO & 2 OTHERS – called their 5th 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 wrote.
Chairman Wontumi and two others have been facing trial over allegations linked to mining activities on his Samreboi concession.
The prosecution’s case is that Wontumi unlawfully permitted mining operations on the concession without the required authorisation.
A key part of the state’s argument concerns the role of Henry Okum, who allegedly carried out mining activities on the land and used part of the proceeds to finance reclamation work.
Prosecutors had argued that evidence before the court connected Wontumi to Mr Okum’s activities.
They also questioned why there was no proof that Wontumi paid directly for the reclamation work, suggesting that the arrangement could amount to an unlawful grant of mining rights.
The defence rejected that position.
Lawyers for Wontumi argued that the law allows a mining lease holder to engage contractors or service providers without transferring mineral rights.
They relied on the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, Act 703, and the relevant regulations to support their case.
The High Court had earlier given the defence a deadline to call any remaining witnesses, warning that failure to do so would close their case.
With the final defence witness now discharged, the court will deliver judgment on July 3.
