The Accra High Court has dismissed an application filed by lawyers for New Patriotic Party Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to postpone the delivery of judgment in the widely followed Samreboi mining case. The ruling clears the way for the court to proceed with its decision in a trial that has attracted significant public attention because of its connection to illegal mining and Ghana’s mineral resource laws.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie Tay ruled that the application was incompetent and moot, allowing the judgment process to continue without further delay. Chairman Wontumi appeared before the High Court as proceedings resumed on charges relating to the alleged assignment of mineral rights without the required approval and the deliberate facilitation of unlicensed mining activities. He has consistently denied all allegations brought against him.
The request to defer the judgment was filed by Wontumi’s new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, who recently assumed responsibility for the case after taking over from former lawyer Andy Appiah Kubi. The defence argued that additional time was necessary to obtain certified records of the proceedings and prepare detailed written submissions before judgment was delivered.
Atta Akyea also raised constitutional concerns regarding Section 14(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). He argued that the provision is “vague, overbroad and inconsistent with the fair trial guarantees under Article 19(11) of the 1992 Constitution.” He therefore urged the court to refer the constitutional question to the Supreme Court. He further prayed that if the referral was refused, the court should acquit and discharge his client.
The Attorney General’s Office opposed the application and described it as an abuse of the judicial process intended to delay the administration of justice. Prosecutors argued that the accused had enjoyed legal representation throughout the trial and that the decision to appoint new counsel was entirely voluntary. According to the prosecution, any records required by the new legal team should have been obtained from the outgoing lawyers instead of the court registry.
The State also questioned the timing of the formal appointment of the new legal team. Prosecutors maintained that although Atta Akyea had publicly announced his involvement earlier, the official notice of appointment was filed several days later. They argued that granting the request would unnecessarily delay a case that had already completed both the prosecution and defence stages.
The Samreboi concession trial has become one of Ghana’s most closely watched illegal mining cases. It forms part of broader efforts by authorities to strengthen enforcement of mining regulations and ensure that mineral rights are exercised within the framework of the law.
During the trial, the prosecution called four witnesses to support its case. One of the key witnesses, Henry Okum, testified that he entered into a verbal agreement with Chairman Wontumi to carry out mining and land reclamation activities on the concession. However, under cross examination, he admitted that there was no written agreement, deed of assignment, or ministerial approval to support the arrangement.
Another witness, Joseph Iroko, Senior Manager for Legal Affairs at the Minerals Commission, informed the court that a search of official records found no application or approval authorising Akonta Mining Company Limited to transfer or assign the concession for mining activities. The court had earlier ruled that the prosecution established a prima facie case and directed the accused persons to open their defence after dismissing a submission of no case to answer.
With the dismissal of the deferment application, the High Court has reaffirmed its determination to conclude the matter without further procedural interruptions. The judgment is expected to have legal and political significance, particularly as Ghana continues its campaign against illegal mining and seeks stronger compliance with laws governing the country’s natural resources.
