🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Judge warns Wontumi's lawyers over trial delays in illegal mining case
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The High Court's Criminal Court 4 continued the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, concerning alleged illegal mining activities on a concession in Samreboi. The prosecution claims mining operations occurred without the necessary authorization. During proceedings, the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, strongly admonished defense lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi for resisting proposed dates and requesting longer adjournments, stating that such actions contribute to trial delays for which the judiciary is often criticized. Deputy Attorney-General Justice Sai, representing the prosecution, argued for a speedy trial, emphasizing that it is in the accused's best interest and that the prosecution has already made compromises regarding scheduling. The court adjourned the proceedings to May 14, 2026, for a case management conference as the accused prepares to present his defense.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadThe National Disaster Management Organisation NADMO has reported 18 fatalities across 13 districts in Ghana's Central Region due to recent floods, mudslides, landslides, and building collapses. Over 5,000 people have been affected, and 377 individuals are internally displaced after 58 buildings were destroyed. Kwesi Dawood, Central Regional Director of NADMO, stated that a comprehensive needs assessment is underway in the affected communities. NADMO's emergency relief supplies are depleted from continuous flood incidents since May, prompting an appeal for urgent donations from corporate entities, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, and private individuals. To prevent waterborne diseases, NADMO is collaborating with the Hydrological Authority, National Security, Environmental Health Departments, and the Ghana Health Service to fumigate areas where floodwaters inundated cemeteries. Dawood also acknowledged the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana National Fire Service for their roles in emergency response and rescue operations.
The Ashanti Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service has launched an Integrated Mass Drug Administration campaign to combat Onchocerciasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Schistosomiasis. This free, house-to-house initiative will run from June 20 to July 3, 2026, across nine selected districts, under the theme: “Onchocerciasis is preventable and treatable. STOP the stigma.” The campaign is part of a nationwide effort to eliminate neglected tropical diseases as a public health concern in Ghana by 2030. Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, highlighted the urgency by presenting data on cases treated between 2021 and 2025, noting a rise in Onchocerciasis cases to 160 in 2025 and 401 Schistosomiasis cases in the same year. Health workers will administer Ivermectin for Onchocerciasis and Praziquantel for Schistosomiasis, with both drugs being safe, effective, and free. Dosage will be determined by height, with eligible individuals 90 cm or taller receiving Ivermectin and those 94 cm or taller receiving Praziquantel. The mass drug administration targets individuals aged five years and above, excluding children under five and pregnant women. Dr. Boateng assured the public that mild, temporary side effects are normal and indicate the medication's effectiveness.
Must ReadIsrael Kwadwo Safo, also known as Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Akofena, CEO of Kantanka Automobile Company, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service. His arrest is in connection with a shooting incident involving former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, on June 21, 2026. Akofena reported himself to the Regional Police Headquarters on June 22, 2026, and was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Department CID Headquarters for ongoing investigations. A search of his vehicle and residence in Kwabenya led to the retrieval of 120 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 50 rounds of .45 calibre ammunition, 25 rounds of .40 calibre ammunition, additional loaded magazines, and two Glock pistols. Two other individuals, Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, have also been arrested in connection with the case. All suspects are in police custody and are scheduled to appear in court on June 23, 2026. The shooting incident occurred during a gathering related to the Kristo Asafo leadership succession process, where tensions were reportedly high over the appointment of a new leader following the passing of Apostle Kwadwo Safo. Six private security personnel were also arrested earlier in connection with the incident, and weapons including pump-action shotguns and a loaded pistol were retrieved.