The ongoing Samreboi concession trial took a dramatic turn on Thursday after a defence expert witness delivered testimony that appeared to significantly challenge the prosecution’s case against mining businessman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako (Chairman Wontumi) ,the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP and his company.
Wisdom Edem Gomashie, testifying as an expert mining engineer, told the court that under Ghana’s mining laws, the assignment or transfer of mineral rights cannot be effected through verbal agreements or informal arrangements.
According to the witness, the assignment of mineral rights is a formal legal process that must comply strictly with statutory procedures, including obtaining express approval from the minister responsible for mines.
Mr. Gomashie stated that any alleged verbal permission or informal understanding cited by the prosecution would have no legal standing within Ghana’s mineral rights regime.
“The assignment of mineral rights constitutes a formal legal transaction,” he told the court, emphasizing that legal requirements governing such transactions are clearly outlined in the country’s mining framework.
The testimony is expected to play a crucial role in the defence’s attempt to undermine allegations that Chairman Wontumi and his company unlawfully permitted Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to undertake mining activities on their concession without prior ministerial approval.
Chairman Wontumi and the other accused persons are facing six counts related to the alleged unauthorized mining activities. All the accused have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail.
Legal observers in court described the expert testimony as one of the most significant moments of the trial so far, with the defence arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish evidence of any legally recognized transfer or assignment of mineral rights.
The case has since attracted considerable public attention due to its potential implications for Ghana’s mining regulatory framework and concession administration.
