Chairman Wontumi trial: Court sets July 3 for judgment
High Court nears final decision in illegal mining case
The long-running illegal mining trial involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has entered its final phase after the High Court fixed July 3, 2026, as the date for judgment. The case, which has drawn considerable public and political interest, centers on allegations of illegal mining activities at a concession in Samreboi. Chairman Wontumi and two other accused persons have been facing charges related to the operation.
Defence closes its case
The court set the judgment date after the defence formally closed its case on June 3, 2026. This followed the testimony of its fifth and final witness, Evans Addae.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Addae underwent cross-examination by Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai, bringing the defence’s presentation of evidence to an end. With the final witness heard, the trial has now moved beyond the evidentiary stage and into the final legal arguments before judgment.
Court orders written addresses
At the conclusion of proceedings, the court directed both the prosecution and defence teams to submit any written addresses they intend to rely upon by June 17, 2026. These written submissions will provide each side with an opportunity to summarize the evidence presented during the trial and outline the legal basis for their respective positions before the court delivers its verdict.
Key witnesses featured during trial
Over the course of the proceedings, the court heard testimony from several prosecution and defence witnesses.
Among the notable witnesses called by the defence was Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who appeared as the fourth defence witness. His testimony formed part of the defence’s effort to challenge the prosecution’s allegations and support the case of the accused persons.
Defence expresses confidence
Reacting to the court’s decision to set a judgment date, one of Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers, Tetteh Thompson, expressed confidence in the judicial process. According to him, the defence had done everything necessary to present its case and remained optimistic that the court would reach a fair and just conclusion based on the evidence before it. “We have done what is necessary, and we are very convinced that the system will work and the court will do the needful,” he told the media.
All eyes on July 3
With both the prosecution and defence having concluded their cases, attention now shifts to the High Court’s final determination. The July 3 judgment is expected to bring months of legal proceedings to a close and answer the central question in the case: whether the prosecution has successfully proven the allegations against Chairman Wontumi and his two co-accused beyond the required legal standard. The ruling is likely to be closely watched by political observers, legal analysts, and members of the public given the prominence of the accused and the broader national conversation surrounding illegal mining in Ghana.
