Wontumi mining trial: Court gives Atta Akyea more time for address, moves judgment to July 20
By DL News
Published
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The court has directed Samuel Atta Akyea, who recently took over as lead counsel for Chairman Wontumi, to file his written address by July 13, 2026.
Judgment in the criminal case involving Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will no longer be delivered as earlier expected after the High Court in Accra gave his new lawyer more time to file written submissions.
The court has directed Samuel Atta Akyea, who recently took over as lead counsel for Chairman Wontumi, to file his written address by July 13, 2026.
The case has now been adjourned to July 20, 2026, for judgment.
The ruling was made during proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Mr Atta Akyea, a former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, had asked the court for time to study the trial record and prepare proper legal arguments for his client.
He took over the defence after former lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi withdrew from the case earlier this month.
The defence had initially applied for a postponement of judgment, arguing that new counsel needed access to the full record of proceedings before making final submissions.
The Attorney-General’s Office had opposed that request.
In an affidavit filed on June 25, Senior State Attorney Nana Ama Prempeh argued that Chairman Wontumi had been represented by lawyers throughout the trial.
The State also contended that the withdrawal of the previous lawyer was voluntary and did not justify delaying the case.
According to the prosecution, any briefing or case materials needed by the new lawyer should have been obtained from the outgoing counsel.
The Attorney-General’s Office further argued that the application raised concerns about its good faith and had no legal basis.
However, when the matter came up on Monday, the prosecution did not oppose the request for more time to enable Mr Atta Akyea to file the written address.
The court consequently granted the extension.
Chairman Wontumi is standing trial over allegations linked to the operations of Akonta Mining in the Samreboi area of the Western North Region.
The case concerns alleged illegal mining activities involving the company, which is linked to him.
The trial has drawn public attention because of Chairman Wontumi’s political profile and the wider national concern over illegal mining.
Illegal mining, also known as galamsey, remains a major public issue because of its impact on forests, water bodies and mineral resources.
The court is expected to consider the written submissions of both the prosecution and the defence before delivering judgment on July 20.
