The Court of Appeal has rejected a new attempt by the attorneys representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, to stop his ongoing criminal trial at the High Court concerning the Samreboi mining case. This decision represents a setback for efforts aimed at suspending the proceedings while awaiting an interlocutory appeal.
The application sought to halt the trial while the appellate court reviews a challenge to a previous ruling made by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, which mandated Chairman Wontumi to commence his defence against allegations that he allowed mining operations on his Samreboi concession without the necessary authorization.
His legal representatives contended that the High Court proceedings should be suspended until the appeal regarding the ruling is resolved. Nevertheless, both the High Court and now the Court of Appeal have denied that request.
In its ruling on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Court of Appeal determined that the application did not establish any exceptional circumstances that would warrant a stay of proceedings, thereby allowing the trial to proceed at the High Court.
This ruling indicates that the substantive criminal case remains active, with the High Court anticipated to continue unless further legal intervention is obtained.
In the meantime, the lead counsel for Chairman Wontumi stated that the defence team is evaluating its options and will determine its subsequent actions.
These actions may involve a renewed application to the Supreme Court or a return to the High Court to initiate the defence, contingent upon their legal strategy.
