The Accra High Court has scheduled July 3, 2026, to deliver judgment in the illegal mining case involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, and two other accused persons.

The date was fixed after the defence closed its case on Wednesday, June 3, following the testimony of its fifth and final witness, Evans Addae.

Addae was cross-examined by Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, bringing the defence’s case to an end and clearing the way for the court’s final determination.

Chairman Wontumi and the two others are standing trial over allegations of illegal mining activities at a concession in Samreboi in the Western Region.

At the close of proceedings, the court directed both the prosecution and defence to file their written addresses by June 17, 2026, ahead of the judgment date.

The trial, which has attracted considerable public and political interest, has featured testimonies from both prosecution and defence witnesses, including former Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who testified as the fourth defence witness.

Reacting to the court’s decision, one of Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers, Tetteh Thompson, expressed confidence in the outcome of the case.

“On our part, we have done what is necessary, and we are very convinced that the system will work and the court will do the needful,” he said.

With both the prosecution and defence having concluded their cases, attention now turns to July 3 when the court is expected to determine whether the prosecution has proven its case against Chairman Wontumi and the two other accused persons.