The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has indicated that Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, could face conviction and punishment if he fails to provide a convincing explanation to allegations leveled against him in an ongoing criminal trial.

This follows a ruling by the High Court, which dismissed a no-case submission filed by Chairman Wontumi in the case involving him, another accused person, and a mining company in the Samreboi galamsey case.

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In a statement on Facebook on Monday, March 16, 2026, Dr Srem-Sai said, “This afternoon, the High Court dismissed Chairman Wontumi’s submission of no case in The Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Kwame Antwi & Akonta Mining Company Ltd.”

He explained that the court’s decision has significant implications for the case.

“This means two things: (1) That our illustrious State Attorneys have proven the allegations in the case, and (2) that if Chairman Wontumi fails to give a sensible explanation to the accusations, he will be convicted and punished,” he stated.

According to him, the court has now directed the accused persons to open their defence and respond to the allegations.

“The Court has since directed him and his company, Akonta Mining, to explain their side of the story (if they have any explanations) by calling witnesses (if they have any witnesses to call),” he added.

Chairman Wontumi, his company Akonta Mining Ltd, and Kwame Antwi, who is currently at large, are facing trial for allegedly conducting mining operations on the Samreboi concession without the consent of the sector minister.

They have also been accused of allowing two individuals to mine on the concession without authority and of facilitating such activities.

Lawyers for Wontumi argued in the no-case submission that, after the prosecution called four witnesses, the state had “woefully failed” to prove the essential elements of the charges.

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With the dismissal of the no-case submission, the trial will now proceed to the defence stage, giving Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused the opportunity to present their version of events regarding the alleged mining operations.



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