By Prince Ahenkorah
The High Court has set July 3, 2026, as the date to deliver judgment in the high-profile illegal mining case involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and two other accused persons.
The ruling date was fixed after the defence formally closed its case on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, following the conclusion of testimony from its fifth and final witness. With both the prosecution and defence having now presented their cases, the matter has moved into its final phase, awaiting judicial determination.
The final defence witness, Evans Addae, completed his testimony and was subsequently cross-examined by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem Sai. His cross-examination marked the end of the defence’s presentation, effectively closing months of courtroom proceedings that have drawn significant public and political attention.
Following the closure of evidence, the court directed both the prosecution and defence to file their written addresses by June 17, 2026. These submissions are expected to outline the legal arguments each side will rely on ahead of the final judgment.
The case centers on allegations of illegal mining activities said to have taken place at a concession in Samreboi in the Western Region. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused are standing trial over charges connected to the alleged unauthorized operations.
Prosecutors have maintained that the accused persons engaged in unlawful mining activities that breached Ghana’s mining regulations, while the defence has consistently rejected the claims, insisting that due process was followed in all activities carried out at the site.
The trial has featured several notable witnesses from both sides. Among them was former Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who appeared as the fourth defence witness, offering testimony in support of the accused.
The proceedings have been closely followed due to the prominence of the accused and the wider national conversation around illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” which remains a major environmental and governance concern in Ghana.
Reacting to the court’s scheduling of the judgment date, one of Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers, Tetteh Thompson, expressed confidence in the judicial process.
“On our part, we have done what is necessary, and we are very convinced that the system will work and the court will do the needful,”
With both sides having concluded their arguments, attention has now shifted to the court’s final decision, which will determine whether the prosecution has successfully proven its case against Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused.
As the July 3 judgment date approaches, expectations remain high, with many observers anticipating a ruling that could have significant legal and political consequences.