An Accra court has issued a definitive ultimatum to the defense team of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, setting Thursday, May 28, 2026, as the absolute final date to present any remaining witnesses in his ongoing criminal trial. This critical deadline was established in the case of Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako & 2 Others.
Defense Seeks Extension Amidst Prosecution Objection
The defense, represented by counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, had formally requested additional time to call further witnesses. This plea followed testimony already provided by Chairman Wontumi himself. However, the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, strongly opposed the request.
Srem-Sai argued that the defense had previously assured the court that witnesses would be available during the current week. Their failure to produce these individuals, he contended, undermined that assurance.
Furthermore, the Deputy Attorney General highlighted that no witness statements had been filed to substantiate the need for another adjournment. He cited court rules that permit a trial to be concluded when witnesses are unavailable for cross-examination.
Court Delivers Final Warning on Witness Production
Despite the prosecution’s objections, the judge granted the defense a single, final extension. The court explicitly ruled that the accused persons must present their witnesses by the stipulated date of Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The judge issued a stern warning: failure to meet this deadline will result in the court assuming the defense has exhausted its witness list. In such a scenario, the court indicated it would proceed directly to ordering addresses from both sides, if any are presented, before scheduling a date for the final judgment.
Implications for the Trial and Future Proceedings
This final deadline significantly narrows the window for the defense to present its case. The prosecution’s firm stance suggests a desire to move the trial towards its conclusion. The court’s firm directive underscores the importance of adhering to procedural timelines.
For Chairman Wontumi, the coming weeks are pivotal. The ability of his legal team to secure and present the necessary witnesses by the May 28, 2026 deadline will determine whether additional evidence can be introduced before the court begins its final deliberations. The outcome hinges on the defense’s capacity to meet this stringent judicial requirement.
The situation highlights the pressures faced by defendants in criminal proceedings, particularly concerning the logistical and strategic challenges of presenting a comprehensive defense within court-imposed timelines. Observers will be watching closely to see if the defense can overcome these hurdles or if the trial will proceed to its concluding stages without further witness testimony.
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