By Collins Sarkodieh 
Former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources George Mireku Duker will testify as the second defense witness for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The ongoing trial at the Accra High Court involves illegal mining allegations tied to Wontumi’s company, Akonta Mining, at Samreboi. Duker’s upcoming testimony and state cross-examination will heavily influence the path of this high-profile environmental law case.
The state accuses Wontumi and Akonta Mining of facilitating unlicensed mining operations and permitting unauthorized activities on their concession without explicit approval from the sector minister. The case moved into a critical phase after the court dismissed Wontumi’s submission of no case, ruling that he has a clear case to answer. Both accused entities are currently out on bail as the defense mounts its arguments.
During the recent Thursday sitting, the defense presented its first witness, mining engineer William Edem Gomashie. His witness statement, filed on May 5, 2026, was admitted into evidence by presiding Judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay. However, a grueling cross-examination by the prosecution highlighted massive discrepancies in the engineer’s testimony, setting a tense stage for the upcoming arrival of the former Deputy Minister.
What happened during the cross-examination of Wontumi’s first witness?
The first defense witness, mining engineer William Edem Gomashie, faced more than two and a half hours of intense cross-examination by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai. The prosecution aggressively questioned the engineer over his attempt to offer an expert opinion reviewing mining laws and judicial decisions. Furthermore, the state exposed critical biographical discrepancies in his official statement, including errors regarding his academic credentials, age, and date of birth.
Gomashie defended his presence in court by stating he held no personal relationship with Chairman Wontumi despite knowing him socially. He claimed his motivation stemmed entirely from a professional interest in mining engineering practices and the relationship those practices have with national regulations. The engineer argued that regulatory bodies routinely show a structural bias, favoring multinational mining firms over struggling indigenous companies.
The cross-examination took a turn when Gomashie admitted his knowledge of the core events came largely from social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. When pressed by Dr. Srem-Sai to provide physical copies of the media publications he referenced, the witness was forced to ask the court for more time. He also admitted he had no knowledge of whether Wontumi authorized the second prosecution witness, Henry Okum, to carry out reclamation or mining works.
Why is George Mireku Duker’s upcoming testimony so critical?
George Mireku Duker’s upcoming testimony is critical because his former role as Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources places him at the center of mining authorizations. As a former sector leader and the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, his testimony will directly address whether Akonta Mining possessed the required ministerial permissions. His statements could either validate the state’s claims of illegal mining or provide a legal shield for Wontumi.
The prosecution’s case rests entirely on the fact that Akonta Mining operated at Samreboi without the explicit, written authorization of the sector minister. In Ghanaian mining law, verbal permissions or informal assignments do not hold legal weight for commercial concessions. Because the first defense witness already stated he previously worked with Duker, the court expects the former minister to clarify the exact regulatory status of Wontumi’s company during his tenure.
Duker will face a highly prepared prosecution team led by the Deputy Attorney General. The state’s strategy will likely focus on proving that no formal documentation exists to back the defense’s claims of authorization. This makes the next sitting incredibly high-stakes for Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the influential Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
What are the specific charges facing Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining?
Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining face severe charges related to undertaking and facilitating unlicensed mining operations within the Samreboi concession. Specifically, the state alleges that the defendants permitted a third party, Henry Okum, to engage in mining activities without obtaining a valid permit from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. This violates the Minerals and Mining Act, which regulates all extractive activities in Ghana.
The trial is part of a wider national crackdown on environmental degradation and illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Under current legal frameworks, individuals convicted of managing or facilitating unauthorized mining operations face stiff custodial sentences and massive financial penalties. The High Court has already forced the defense to present three witness statements following a strict case management conference.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay has adjourned the proceedings to May 19, 2026, when the defense is expected to officially introduce George Mireku Duker to the stand. The outcome of his cross-examination will likely determine whether the defense can successfully dismantle the state’s narrative or if the case will move swiftly toward a conviction.
Factual Insights into Ghana’s Mining Regulations and the Akonta Case:
- Next Court Date: The Accra High Court has officially adjourned the criminal trial to Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
- Judicial Leadership: The case is being handled by High Court Judge Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
- Prosecution Lead: The state’s case is being prosecuted directly by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai.
- Defense Roster: The defense team has been ordered to present a total of three witnesses to back Wontumi’s claims.
- Key Admission: The first witness admitted under oath that his evidence regarding media reports relied on TikTok and Facebook videos.
- Legal Status: Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining are currently on bail after their initial application of no case was rejected.
The upcoming testimony of former Deputy Minister George Mireku Duker on May 19, 2026, marks a defining moment in the state’s fight against unauthorized mining. By bringing high-profile political figures into the witness box, the Accra High Court is demonstrating that environmental laws apply equally across political lines.
As Dr. Justice Srem-Sai prepares for another round of intense cross-examination, the focus remains on the presence of verifiable legal permits. For the residents of Samreboi and the wider Ghanaian public, this trial is a critical test of the nation’s judicial resolve to protect its natural resources from political influence.