By Ghana News 
The fate of Bernard Antwi Boasiako now hangs in the balance. Popularly known as Chairman Wontumi the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party faces mounting legal pressure. The High Court in Accra has issued a strict directive. Wontumi must produce his next defense witness by May 28 or consider his case officially closed.
The Courtroom Delays
Lead defense counsel Andy Appiah Kubi requested more time from the presiding judge. He explained that two key witnesses traveled outside the jurisdiction but plan to return soon. This explanation did not impress the prosecution.
Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem Sai strongly opposed the delay. He pointed out that the defense team made similar promises weeks ago without actually delivering any official witness statements. Dr Srem Sai asked the court to reject the plea and move straight to final judgments.
Defending the Mining Charges
The state formally charged Wontumi and his company Akonta Mining with serious offenses. These charges include assigning mineral rights without approval and purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation. A second accused person named Kwame Antwi currently remains on the run.
Wontumi personally mounted the witness box earlier this week to defend his reputation. He strongly maintained his absolute innocence and asked the court to set him free. The prosecution has already called four witnesses to build their case while the defense has only presented three.
Factual Insights into Ghana Law and Mining
To understand the gravity of this high profile trial we must look at the established legal facts in Ghana.
- Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana strictly guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.
- The High Court of Ghana exercises original jurisdiction in all major criminal matters making it the proper legal venue for prosecuting corporate mining violations.
- Akonta Mining Limited previously sparked major national controversy after the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources directed them to halt operations in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie Tay delivered a very clear and logical ruling to settle the courtroom debate. She noted that the court originally ordered the accused to file their witness statements back in March.
Balancing constitutional fairness with judicial efficiency the judge granted one final extension. If the defense team fails to present a witness on May 28 the court will assume they have no further evidence. The judge will then close the matter and demand final legal addresses. The clock is officially ticking for Chairman Wontumi and his legal team.
Also Read: Chairman Wontumi Pleads Not Guilty to Fresh Ghana Exim Bank Fraud Charges
Source: Starrfm.com.gh