'You are causing the delays' - Judge's sharp warning to Wontumi's lawyers

The High Court's Criminal Court 4 continued the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, regarding alleged illegal mining activities linked to a concession in Samreboi, on Thursday May 7, 2026.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com from May 7, 2026, the prosecution claims that mining operations were conducted on the Samreboi concession without the necessary authorisation from the sector minister, in violation of Ghana's mining laws.

During the proceedings, the court aimed to set dates for the defense to present its case but faced resistance from defense lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, who initially rejected the proposed dates and requested longer adjournments.

This led to a strong response from the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who sought to assert the court's authority over scheduling.

“Where’s the rush? Do you not want me to handle the case? I have considered all your proposed dates and in some instances, adjusted my schedule to the afternoon to accommodate you. What else do you want me to do?” she asked.

The judge also addressed public criticism regarding the slow pace of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) cases.

“When you appear on television and people criticize the judiciary for case delays, don’t just sit there and watch; tell them you are contributing to the delays. The public continues to criticize us for the slow progress, so we are also taking action,” she added.

On the prosecution side, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Sai argued that a speedy trial was in the best interest of the accused.

He mentioned that the prosecution had already made significant compromises and was willing to meet three out of five days each week, opposing the defense’s suggestion of meeting just once a week.

“My Lady, we have accommodated the defense enough; a timely trial is even in the accused person’s interest. As the prosecution, we bear much of the burden for the remainder of the trial and are prepared to conduct our cross-examinations according to the court's schedule. Our availability as the prosecution must be considered; the defense cannot dictate the pace of this trial,” he stated.

The court adjourned the proceedings to May 14, 2026, for a case management conference as the accused prepares to present his defense.

NAD/AM

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