Mining trial …High Court to determine Wontumi’s fate today
The High Court in Accra is set to deliver a verdict in the criminal trial of Ghanaian politician Bernard Antwi-Boasiako regarding alleged illegal mining activities. The defense has requested a referral to the Supreme Court, arguing that the Minerals and Mining Act is constitutionally vague.
Why it matters
The case has significant implications for mining regulation and political accountability in Ghana.
The High Court in Accra will today deliver judgment in the criminal trial of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
He is accused of unlawfully assigning his mining concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako pleaded not guilty to charges of assignment of mineral rights without approval and purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act.
If acquitted, the court would have found that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. If convicted, however, he could face a custodial sentence of up to 25 years.
Ahead of the judgment, counsel for the accused, Samuel Atta Akyea, filed a motion on July 16 seeking a postponement of the judgment and a referral of the case to the Supreme Court for interpretation of provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in