A High Court has set 3 July to deliver judgment in an illegal mining case involving a senior official of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), after the defence closed its case on Wednesday.

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and chairman of the NPP in the Ashanti Region, is standing trial alongside two other accused persons over allegations linked to illegal mining operations at a concession in Samreboi in Ghana’s Western Region.

The date was fixed after the defence concluded its evidence with testimony from its fifth and final witness, Evans Addae, who was cross-examined by Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai.

The court subsequently directed both the prosecution and defence to file any written submissions they intend to rely on by 17 June.

The case, which has drawn considerable public and political interest, is among a number of proceedings connected to efforts by Ghanaian authorities to curb illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey”, a practice blamed for widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies.

During the trial, both sides called witnesses, including former Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who testified for the defence.

Speaking after Wednesday’s proceedings, defence lawyer Tetteh Thompson expressed confidence in the outcome of the case.

“On our part, we have done what is necessary, and we are very convinced that the system will work and the court will do the needful,” he told local broadcaster Joy News.

The 3 July ruling is expected to bring to a close months of legal proceedings and determine whether prosecutors have proven the charges against Antwi-Boasiako and his co-accused.