Chairman Wontumi heads to Court of Appeal as mining trial stalls

The criminal trial of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has hit a fresh legal hurdle after his legal team filed an appeal challenging a High Court ruling that ordered him to open his defence.

Chairman Wontumi and his company are facing six counts related to illegal mining activities. The charges include allegedly permitting two individuals—Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi—to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

In March 2026, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused persons and directed them to file their witness statements by April 14, 2026.

However, when the case was called on Monday, April 20, the accused had not complied with the court’s directive.

Appeal filed

Lead counsel for the accused, Andy Appiah-Kubi, informed the court that they were unable to file the witness statements because they had filed processes at the Court of Appeal challenging the High Court’s ruling. An earlier appeal against the same ruling had already been dismissed by the High Court.

Counsel further told the court that an application for stay of proceedings had been filed at the Court of Appeal, arguing that continuing the trial while the appeal is pending would prejudice the outcome of the case. He urged the High Court to adjourn proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.

Prosecution objects

Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application for adjournment, arguing that the accused persons were not entitled to a stay of proceedings while the appeal is pending.

“Our prayer is that having refused to file a defence or call a witness, there is only one path left for the court, namely, to proceed to convict. We therefore pray that this Honourable Court convict the accused persons,” he said.

Court’s ruling

Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, held that the filing of a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal does not automatically halt proceedings at the High Court, adding that there are “a plethora of authorities” supporting that position.

She indicated that the High Court would proceed with the matter and would comply with any decision reached by the Court of Appeal when available, referencing the case of Republic v Ato Forson and Others.

The court granted the accused persons until May 5, 2026, to file their witness statements should they choose to do so. The case has been adjourned to May 7, 2026.