The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to halt proceedings in his ongoing illegal mining trial linked to the Samreboi concession.
The application formed part of efforts by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman to challenge a High Court ruling that ordered him to open his defence in the case.
Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, are currently standing trial over allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities and permitting unauthorised persons to operate on a mining concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the required approval.
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Following the High Court’s decision that there was a case to answer, his legal team filed an interlocutory appeal and subsequently sought a stay of proceedings to pause the trial pending the outcome of that appeal.
However, both the High Court and now the Court of Appeal have dismissed attempts to halt the trial, ruling that the application lacked sufficient merit.
As a result, the trial is expected to proceed, with Wontumi required to present his defence to respond to the charges brought against him.
The case has attracted significant public attention due to the accused’s political status and the broader national concerns surrounding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Legal observers say the latest ruling clears the way for the substantive trial to continue without further delays.
