Judgment set for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako in Samreboi case
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The High Court in Accra has scheduled July 3, 2026, for judgment delivery in the Samreboi case involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, and two others. The case closure follows the completion of cross-examination for both prosecution and accused witnesses. Chairman Wontumi faces six charges, including two counts of undertaking mining operations without a license, one count of felling trees in a forest reserve without a license, one count of abetting unauthorized felling of trees, one count of erecting buildings in a forest reserve without a license, and one count of abetting unauthorized erection of buildings. These charges relate to alleged facilitation of illegal mining in the Tano Nimiri Forest in Samreboi, Western Region. If convicted, he could face a maximum prison term of 25 years for undertaking mining operations without a license, and up to two years for felling trees or abetting unauthorized felling, and for erecting buildings or abetting unauthorized erection of buildings in a forest reserve. He would also be required to pay twice the commercial value of any trees, timber, or forest produce involved in the offense.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadSenegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched his own political party, Kiray or Republican Patriots, on Saturday, a move that solidifies his growing separation from his former ally, Ousmane Sonko, who leads the ruling Pastef party. Both men came to power in 2024 and are anticipated to compete in the 2029 presidential election. Leading up to the launch, several Pastef officials and members of the opposition Alliance for The Republic joined Faye's new party. The alliance between Faye and Sonko deteriorated over disagreements on key policy decisions, including negotiations with the International Monetary Fund regarding a loan program amidst Senegal鈥檚 debt crisis. Earlier this year, Faye dismissed Sonko as Prime Minister, though Sonko's party maintained its parliamentary majority, and he was subsequently elected president of the National Assembly. A new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, was appointed in May, and the Cabinet was formed without Pastef ministers after Sonko stated his party would not participate in the government. In 2024, Faye and Sonko campaigned on promises to create jobs, combat corruption, and secure a larger share of revenue from Senegal's natural resources. However, the country's debt burden has increased since they took office, following the discovery that the previous administration had underreported billions in borrowing. The establishment of Faye鈥檚 new party sets the stage for a political rivalry between the former allies, expected to influence l
Samuel Atta Akyea, lawyer for convicted Ghanaian politician Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has criticized the way judges handle politically sensitive cases. Speaking on Newsfile, Atta Akyea alleged that judges in political cases appear to rush prosecutions, contrasting this with the slower pace of civil cases. He cited Chairman Wontumi's case, claiming the trial judge departed from normal judicial proceedings, describing it as an "ambulance mood" to prosecute the politician. Atta Akyea suggested that there is an "indecent haste" in prosecuting political cases compared to others, including civil and other criminal cases. He further alleged that the ruling National Democratic Congress NDC has influenced the handling of politically exposed cases to create an impression of fighting corruption. Atta Akyea stated that the "frenzy in the NDC and at Jubilee House should not find expression in a court of competent jurisdiction," arguing that a court should not focus on jailing people to demonstrate the government's political impact.
Must ReadGhana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for an investigation into alleged attacks on properties belonging to Ghanaian business magnate Sir Sam Jonah in Nigeria. Ablakwa made the appeal on July 24, 2026, to Nigeria's High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Shehu Ilyu Barde, upon receiving his letters of credence. The Minister highlighted reports concerning Mobus Investments, a company linked to Sir Sam Jonah, which came to his attention through Nigerian reports and civil society groups. Ablakwa emphasized the importance of African countries protecting and encouraging cross-border investments, stating that Ghanaian businesses operating in other African nations deserve the same support as Nigerian businesses. He added that improved support for businesses across the continent would help unlock the full potential of Africa's integrated market. Shehu Ilyu Barde assured Ablakwa that the matter would be followed up and feedback provided, promising to work together to resolve the issue.