The Accra High Court is expected to determine today, Monday, July 20, whether to proceed with judgment in the alleged illegal mining case involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The court’s decision comes after the defence filed an application seeking to suspend the delivery of judgment pending the determination of a constitutional interpretation case currently before the Supreme Court.
Last month, the High Court granted Wontumi’s newly appointed lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, additional time to file a written address in support of the defence’s case before fixing today’s date for judgment.
However, Mr Atta Akyea has since urged the court to stay proceedings, arguing that the constitutional issues raised before the Supreme Court could have a significant bearing on the case. He has also informed the court that he is currently outside the country and is expected to return on Wednesday, July 22.
The High Court is therefore expected to first rule on the defence’s application before deciding whether to deliver judgment as scheduled or adjourn the case until the Supreme Court has ruled on the constitutional questions.
Chairman Wontumi, through his company, Akonta Mining, is facing charges in connection with alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The case has reached the judgment stage after both the prosecution and the defence concluded their respective arguments.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
