Accra: An Accra High Court has rescinded a bench warrant issued against Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The court's decision came after Boasiako and his legal team, led by Mr. Andy Appiah-Kubi, appeared in court and apologized for their late arrival.
According to Ghana News Agency, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay issued a caution to Boasiako, emphasizing the importance of punctuality in legal proceedings. She stated, "I don't want this to happen again. This matter is between the accused and the state. At any given time, you must be in court. Having listened to counsel, the bench warrant is hereby rescinded. You should be in court on time."
The apology from Mr. Appiah-Kubi highlighted a communication error, as he explained to the court, "I take the blame. I told him (Boasiako) that the matter would be called at 10:00 a.m., and we were in court a few minutes to 10:00 a.m. I sincerely apologise for that." The warrant had been issued earlier that day when Boasiako and his lawyers did not appear at 9:40 a.m. for a scheduled Case Management Conference. The court noted the absence of a reason for their initial non-appearance.
Boasiako and his legal team arrived shortly after the court had adjourned, waiting for the case to be recalled. The court has since adjourned the matter to November 4, 2025.
The prosecution informed the court of a delay in filing disclosures, citing that one of the witnesses had traveled outside the jurisdiction and had yet to sign their witness statement. They expressed a desire to avoid presenting incomplete documentation to the court.
Boasiako, who is the owner of Akonta Mining Company Limited, and another individual, Kwame Antwi, currently at large, face charges related to the assignment of mineral rights without approval and facilitating unlicensed mining operations at Samreboi in the Western Region. Boasiako has denied the charges and remains on bail.
