Court grants Wontumi until May 28 to call additional witnesses in galamsey trial

The High Court has given lawyers for the Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, until May 28 to file any additional witnesses in his ongoing illegal mining trial.

The directive followed the conclusion of Wontumi’s testimony on Friday, May 22, 2026, in the case in which he is accused of unlawfully permitting mining activities on his Samreboi concession.

Presiding Judge Audrey Cocuvie-Tay warned that failure to present additional witnesses by the deadline would result in the closure of the defence case, clearing the way for final addresses and judgment.

Chairman Wontumi and his company are standing trial over allegations that he allowed one Henry Okum to carry out mining activities on the concession without the necessary authorisation.

Prosecutors allege that Okum conducted mining operations on the land and used proceeds from the activity to reclaim degraded portions of the concession.

In an earlier ruling, the court held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, observing that evidence on record linked Wontumi to Okum’s activities. The court also noted that there was no proof of payment for reclamation works, which could support an inference that mining rights were effectively granted.

The defence, however, has disputed the prosecution’s interpretation, arguing that under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and L.I. 2176, a leaseholder is permitted to engage service providers without transferring mineral rights.

The case has been adjourned to May 28 for compliance with the court’s directive.