The Accra High Court has dismissed an application by lawyers for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to postpone judgment in the Samreboi mining concession case.
The court described the application as incompetent and moot, clearing the way for Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay to deliver judgment in the closely watched trial.
Court rejects deferment request
Chairman Wontumi appeared before the Accra High Court as proceedings resumed in the case, in which he faces charges of assigning mineral rights without approval and facilitating an unlicensed mining operation.
His new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, filed the application on July 16, 2026, after taking over the case from Andy Appiah-Kubi.
Atta Akyea argued that he needed more time to obtain and study the certified record of proceedings before filing comprehensive written submissions on behalf of his client.
He also challenged Section 14(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), arguing that it is vague, overly broad and inconsistent with the fair trial guarantees under Article 19(11) of the 1992 Constitution.
The lawyer asked the court to refer the constitutional issues to the Supreme Court or, alternatively, acquit and discharge his client.
Attorney-General opposes application
The Attorney-General’s office opposed the motion, describing it as an abuse of the court process intended to delay the delivery of judgment.
The prosecution argued that Chairman Wontumi had been represented by lawyers throughout the trial and that his previous counsel had withdrawn voluntarily.
It maintained that the new legal team should obtain the case records from the former lawyers rather than the court registry.
The state also questioned the timing of Atta Akyea’s appointment, noting that although he publicly announced his involvement on June 15, 2026, he only filed a formal notice of appearance on June 22.
The Attorney-General urged the court to dismiss the application and proceed with judgment, arguing that granting the request would undermine the administration of justice.
Prosecution’s case
Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited and the company’s director, Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large, were charged with permitting two individuals to conduct mining activities on the Samreboi concession without the approval of the sector minister.
The prosecution called four witnesses during the trial.
Small-scale miner Henry Okum testified that he entered into a verbal agreement with Chairman Wontumi to carry out land reclamation and mining activities on the concession.
However, under cross-examination, he admitted there was no written agreement, deed of assignment or ministerial approval for the arrangement.
Joseph Iroko, Senior Manager for Legal Affairs at the Minerals Commission, also told the court that searches of the Commission’s records found no application or ministerial approval authorising Akonta Mining to assign or transfer the concession.
Defence denies wrongdoing
After the prosecution closed its case, the court dismissed a submission of no case filed by the defence, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case.
Chairman Wontumi subsequently opened his defence, denying that he authorised anyone to undertake mining on the concession.
He maintained that Henry Okum had only been contracted to carry out land reclamation works.
The defence also called former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources George Mireku-Duker and former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah as witnesses.
