'Da Yie': Deputy Attorney General drops cryptic post ahead of Wontumi judgment

A seemingly simple phrase posted by Deputy Attorney General Justice Dr Srem-Sai following the conclusion of a high-profile criminal trial has sparked widespread speculation on social media ahead of the court's judgment.

The Deputy Attorney General took to Facebook on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, to announce that the defence in the case of "The Republic v Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 Others" had called its fifth and final witness, bringing the trial to a close.

"The witness was discharged from the witness box a while ago. That brought the entire trial to an end. The judge has scheduled July 3 for judgment," he wrote.

However, it was the final two words of the post that quickly caught public attention saying; "Da yie."

The phrase, which translates as "sleep well" in English, has since become the subject of intense debate, with many Ghanaians attempting to decipher its meaning and whether it offers any hint about the outcome of the case.

Some social media users have interpreted the comment as a sign of confidence from the prosecution, while others have cautioned against reading too much into what could simply be a casual closing remark.

The case involves NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company. They are standing trial over allegations that mining activities were carried out on a concession at Samreboi without the required authorisation.

Prosecutors contend that one Henry Okum conducted mining operations on the concession and used proceeds from the activity to undertake reclamation works on degraded portions of the land. The prosecution argues that evidence presented during the trial linked Wontumi to the activities.

The defence has rejected those claims, maintaining that the arrangement complied with provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act and did not amount to a transfer of mineral rights.

With the evidentiary phase now concluded, all eyes will be on July 3, 2026, when the court delivers its judgment. Until then, Dr Justice Srem-Sai's brief "Da yie" sign-off is likely to remain a talking point among observers closely following the case.

FKA/MA

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