The Accra High Court is expected to issue its judgment today, Monday, July 20, regarding the alleged illegal mining case involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly referred to as Chairman Wontumi.
This anticipated ruling comes after the court’s decision last month to allow Wontumi’s new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, additional time to submit a written address in support of the defence’s case.
However, the defence has since submitted an application requesting to postpone the judgment, citing a constitutional interpretation case that is currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Mr. Atta Akyea has contended that the High Court should pause proceedings until the Supreme Court resolves the constitutional issues raised in the application.
The lawyer has also notified the court that he is presently outside the jurisdiction and is expected to return to the country on Wednesday, July 22.
Consequently, the High Court is expected to first decide whether to proceed with the judgment as planned or to grant the defence’s request for an adjournment pending the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Chairman Wontumi, through his company Akonta Mining, is facing charges related to alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. He has denied all allegations.
The case has progressed to the judgment stage following the conclusion of both the prosecution’s and defence’s arguments.
