Court Rejects Wontumi’s Request for Additional Disclosures

Court rejects Wontumi’s request for additional disclosures at the High Court.

The High Court has rejected an application filed by lawyers for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The application sought further disclosures from state prosecutors in his ongoing criminal case.

Chairman Wontumi stands accused of unlawfully permitting mining activities on a concession at Samreboi.

His legal team had requested access to additional documents from the prosecution, claiming they were essential to prepare for trial.

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Counsel for the first accused, Andy Appiah Kubi, argued that a prosecution witness based their testimony on an alleged agreement or deed reportedly signed by Wontumi and another accused person.

The defence contended that they required copies of these documents to challenge the evidence presented and ensure a fair trial.

However, the court ruled against the application, indicating that the defence did not provide sufficient grounds to compel further disclosures at this stage of the proceedings.

The case continues to attract public and political interest due to the high-profile nature of the accused.

Dr. Srem-Sai further emphasized that the prosecution does not possess any such written deed or agreement relevant to the case. He clarified that the charge—based on Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act—does not require the existence of such documentation.

On the contrary, he noted that the absence of a lawful mining deed forms a key element of the offence, which revolves around mining without proper authorization.

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After reviewing both the motion and supporting affidavit, the Court ruled that the defence failed to establish any legal justification for their application.

Consequently, the Court sided with the prosecution, affirming that the application was without basis and would not influence the course of the ongoing trial.

The decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding procedural standards in criminal cases, particularly those involving illegal mining activities—a growing concern in Ghana’s natural resources sector.