BY Daniel Bampoe
The criminal trial involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has entered a critical stage as his newly appointed counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, has formally requested additional time from the Accra High Court to prepare and file the defence’s final written address.
The request comes barely weeks before the court’s scheduled judgment date of July 3, 2026, in a case that has attracted significant public and political attention due to the prominence of the accused and the broader national debate surrounding illegal mining activities.
Appearing before the court, Atta Akyea explained that he recently assumed responsibility for Chairman Wontumi’s legal defence following the departure of former lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi.
He argued that adequate time was necessary to thoroughly review the extensive record of proceedings and prepare a comprehensive written submission on behalf of his client.
The application marks another twist in a case that has witnessed several legal and procedural developments since its commencement.
Earlier this month, Appiah-Kubi sought to withdraw from representing Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited.
However, the court ruled that he did not require judicial permission to discontinue his services and could simply file the appropriate notice with the court registry while notifying his client.
Following that development, Chairman Wontumi announced the appointment of former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament and seasoned legal practitioner Samuel Atta Akyea as his new lead counsel.
The appointment was described as part of efforts to ensure that his defence would continue without interruption at a crucial stage of the proceedings.
The trial centres on allegations that Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited permitted mining activities to take place on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without obtaining the necessary approval from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Prosecutors contend that individuals allegedly operated on the concession without the requisite authorization required under the mining laws.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution called several witnesses in an attempt to establish that mining operations were conducted without ministerial approval.
Defence lawyers, however, have consistently challenged the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that key witnesses failed to provide documentary proof linking Chairman Wontumi directly to the alleged unauthorized mining activities.
One of the prosecution’s witnesses, Michael Gyedu Ayisi, admitted under cross-examination that he had never seen any assignment agreement or concession document showing that Chairman Wontumi had transferred mining rights to any individual.
He further acknowledged that his understanding of ownership arrangements at the site was based largely on information provided by other persons rather than documentary evidence.
After the prosecution closed its case, the defence also called witnesses and eventually concluded its presentation.
The matter subsequently moved to the final phase, where lawyers are expected to submit written addresses summarizing the evidence and presenting legal arguments to assist the court in reaching its verdict.
