The Accra High Court is expected to rule today, Monday, July 20, in the high-profile alleged illegal mining case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The court had earlier adjourned proceedings to allow Wontumi’s new lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, additional time to file a written address in support of the defence.
However, the defence has filed a fresh application seeking to stop the delivery of the judgment. The application cites a constitutional interpretation matter currently pending before the Supreme Court.
Samuel Atta Akyea has argued that the High Court should suspend all proceedings until the apex court determines the constitutional issues raised. The counsel has also notified the court that he is currently outside the jurisdiction and is scheduled to return to Ghana on Wednesday, July 22.
The High Court is therefore expected to first rule on whether to proceed with delivering the judgment as scheduled or adjourn the matter pending the outcome of the Supreme Court case.
Wontumi, through his company Akonta Mining Limited, faces charges relating to alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. He has consistently denied the allegations.
The case reached the judgment stage after both the prosecution and defence closed their cases and presented final arguments.