The Accra High Court has postponed its judgment in the case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, over alleged illegal mining activities in the Samreboi Forest Reserve.
The ruling has been rescheduled to July 20, 2026, after defence counsel requested additional time to file final written submissions.
Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, who recently took over as counsel for Boasiako and Akonta Mining Company Limited, was granted up to July 13, 2026, to submit his written address.
He explained that he needed time to properly study the case records, conduct legal research, and prepare what he described as a comprehensive and credible submission. He further argued that access to complete proceedings was necessary to ensure effective legal representation and protect the rights of his clients.
Mr Atta Akyea assumed responsibility for the case following the withdrawal of the previous defence lawyer, Mr Andy Appiah.
The Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice opposed the application for delay, describing it as unnecessary and unjustified.
The prosecution maintained that the accused persons had been continuously represented throughout the trial and argued that the voluntary change of counsel should not be used as grounds to delay judgment.
It further warned that granting such a request could obstruct the course of justice and potentially bring the judicial process into disrepute.
The court is now expected to deliver its ruling on July 20, 2026, after receiving the final written submissions from the defence.
