The Accra High Court is set to deliver a judgment today, Monday, July 20, in an alleged illegal mining case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), commonly known as Chairman Wontumi. This anticipated ruling comes after the court granted Wontumi’s new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, additional time to submit a written address supporting the defense’s case last month.
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However, the defense has since filed an application to postpone the judgment, citing a constitutional interpretation case currently pending before the Supreme Court. Mr. Atta Akyea has argued that the High Court should suspend proceedings until the Supreme Court resolves the constitutional issues raised in the application. Additionally, he has informed the court that he is currently outside the jurisdiction and is expected to return to the country on Wednesday, July 22.
The High Court is therefore expected to first determine whether to proceed with the delivery of judgment as scheduled or grant the defence’s request for an adjournment pending the Supreme Court’s decision. Chairman Wontumi, through his company Akonta Mining, is facing charges relating to alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. He has denied all the allegations.
The case has reached the judgment stage following the close of the prosecution’s and defence’s arguments.
Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
