The illegal mining trial involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially come to an end, with the court set to deliver its judgment on July 3, 2026.
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai announced the development on Wednesday, June 3, revealing that the accused persons had called their fifth and final witness, bringing proceedings to a close. The witness was subsequently discharged, marking the conclusion of the trial phase in the case titled The Republic v Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 Others.
Chairman Wontumi and his company have been standing trial over allegations that he permitted illegal mining activities on his concession at Samreboi without the required authorisation.
According to the prosecution, one Henry Okum carried out mining operations on the concession and used proceeds from the activity to undertake reclamation works on degraded portions of the land. Prosecutors argued that available evidence linked Wontumi to these activities and raised concerns over the absence of proof of payment for the reclamation works—suggesting that mining rights may have been unlawfully granted.
However, the defence has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2176, a leaseholder is permitted to engage service providers without transferring mineral rights.
The High Court had earlier directed the defence to file any additional witnesses by May 28, cautioning that failure to comply would result in the closure of their case and pave the way for judgment.
With both sides having presented their cases, the court will now determine the outcome of the high-profile trial, as attention turns to the scheduled judgment date of July 3.
