Ashanti NPP Chairman Wontumi Challenges ‘No Case’ Ruling, Seeks Stay of Trial

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed an application contesting a High Court decision that dismissed his submission of no case. He has also requested a stay of proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal against the ruling.

Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited face six counts, including allegedly allowing Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to conduct mining activities on the company’s concession without ministerial approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations.

The High Court, in dismissing the no-case submission, ruled that the prosecution’s initial evidence stands unless the accused presents sufficient contrary evidence. The court gave the accused seven days to decide whether to remain silent, allowing the case to proceed on the prosecution’s evidence, or to testify and present witness statements.

At the latest hearing before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, the interlocutory appeal and motion for a stay of proceedings were brought before the court. The Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, representing the state, opted not to formally oppose the motion, arguing that Chairman Wontumi’s affidavit contained legal arguments rather than factual depositions and requested an immediate hearing instead of the scheduled April 16 date.

Chairman Wontumi’s counsel, however, said they were unprepared to move the motion, requesting a formal application if the state sought to abridge time. The court clarified that it has the authority to shorten time limits and may consider applications regardless of formal opposition.

After consultations, the court proposed March 27, March 30, and March 31 for the hearing, but both parties agreed to April 2, 2026, as the date for arguments on the motion.