The trial involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, took a dramatic turn on Monday after the Deputy Attorney-General made an open request for the court to convict the accused persons, a move that has since drawn strong criticism from the defence.
Lead counsel for Wontumi, Andy Appiah Kubi, described the remarks by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai as “unfortunate” and prejudicial, arguing that they were inappropriate coming from a top justice official.
The case involves Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining, who are facing six charges relating to alleged illegal mining activities. The prosecution claims the company permitted two individuals, Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, to operate on its concession without approval from the Lands Minister and facilitated unlicensed mining.
In March, the High Court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, ordering the accused persons to file their defence if they intended to do so. The court later set an April 14, 2026 deadline for compliance.
However, when the matter was called on Monday, defence lawyers informed the court they would not be filing witness statements at this stage, citing their decision to challenge earlier rulings at the Court of Appeal. They also indicated that a renewed application for stay of proceedings had been filed after an earlier one was dismissed.
The defence therefore prayed for an adjournment pending the outcome of their appeal.
Opposing the request, Dr Justice Srem-Sai argued that the defence was deliberately delaying proceedings and insisted that the court should proceed to convict the accused persons.
“When the motion was dismissed, the applicant was again ordered to file by Feb 14 if they were so minded to do so. Again, the applicant has refused to file. Clearly, the applicant has shown that they don’t intend to file the witness statement, nor have they offered an explanation why this office should not continue with the case.
Our prayer is that, having refused to file a defense or call a witness, there’s only one path, which is to convict. We therefore pray to proceed to convict. We pray that this court convicts the accused persons,” Dr Justice Srem Sai submitted.
Presiding judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, after hearing both sides, emphasized the need for due process despite the pending appeal applications. She subsequently directed the defence to file its processes by May 5.
Reacting sharply to the Deputy Attorney-General’s remarks, Andy Appiah Kubi condemned the statement, insisting it was inappropriate for someone in such a position.
“It’s very unfortunate for the Attorney-General to have asked the court to convict the accused persons, especially coming from someone who doubles as the Minister for Justice. He forgets that the justice system makes the Attorney-General the Minister of Justice.
It’s unbecoming of an Attorney-General who is in a hurry to see conviction of somebody in a criminal trial”
The case has been adjourned to a later date as legal arguments continue over procedural compliance and pending appellate applications.
