The Accra High Court has dismissed an application filed by lawyers for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to stay proceedings in his ongoing trial for six mining-related offences.
The court had earlier rejected a submission of no case to answer filed by Wontumi’s legal team, which sought to terminate the trial after the prosecution closed its case. Following that ruling, the defence filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and subsequently moved an application at the High Court for a stay of proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.
Moving the application, counsel for Chairman Wontumi argued that it would be prejudicial to require the accused to open his defence while an appeal challenging the order to do so remains pending. They contended that no irreparable harm would be suffered by the state from a temporary stay, whereas the accused’s rights could be adversely affected if the trial continued before the appeal is heard.
Opposing the motion, the Deputy Attorney General argued that the application disclosed no exceptional circumstances warranting a stay, as required by law. The state further described the application as one brought in bad faith to abuse court processes and unnecessarily delay the trial.
Delivering her ruling on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the presiding judge, after reviewing the affidavit in support and hearing arguments from both sides, held that the application was without merit and accordingly dismissed it.
The court has adjourned the matter to April 20, 2026, for case management. The accused has been directed to file witness statements on or before that date, if they intend to open their defence.
Chairman Wontumi, together with his company Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person, Kwame Antwi (who is said to be on the run), are facing six counts related to alleged illegal mining activities on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region. The charges include permitting mining operations without the requisite approval from the sector minister and facilitating unlicensed mining, contrary to provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General. Wontumi has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains on bail granted by the court.
Proceedings continue on April 20.