In a Facebook post published on May 16, 2026, Kotoko expressed concern about the direction of the defense argument, particularly the testimony provided by an expert witness during proceedings connected to the matter.
According to Kotoko, the expert appeared to move beyond the role of a mining specialist and instead offered interpretations of Ghana’s mining laws, specifically referencing Act 703 and Legislative Instrument (LI) 2176, which regulate the transfer and management of mineral rights in the country.
Kotoko noted that the expert admitted under oath that certain mineral rights linked to Wontumi had indeed been transferred. However, the witness reportedly argued that those transfers were not legally valid because they failed to comply with the legal procedures required under Ghanaian law.
The legal commentator questioned whether that line of defense actually helps Wontumi’s case. In his view, admitting that transfers occurred outside the proper legal framework could itself amount to confirmation of wrongdoing rather than a defense against it.
“Has this testimony, if true, not complicated Wontumi’s predicament rather?” Kotoko asked in his post.
He argued that failure to comply with Act 703 and LI 2176 in transferring mineral rights may itself constitute an offence, regardless of whether the transfers are ultimately recognized as legally valid.
According to him, claiming that “verbal discussions” or informal arrangements do not amount to lawful transfers does not erase the fact that procedures may have been bypassed.
Kotoko further stressed that non-compliance with mining regulations cannot simply be excused because the process was incomplete or improperly executed.
Kotoko further stressed that non-compliance with mining regulations cannot simply be excused because the process was incomplete or improperly executed.
In his analysis, acknowledging actions outside the legal framework may inadvertently strengthen the prosecution’s argument rather than weaken it.
He also raised concerns about environmental consequences tied to the matter, questioning whether any alleged unauthorized activities may have contributed to environmental destruction.
He also raised concerns about environmental consequences tied to the matter, questioning whether any alleged unauthorized activities may have contributed to environmental destruction.
If such impacts occurred, he suggested, the seriousness of the allegations becomes even greater.
In one of the more striking parts of his commentary, Kotoko warned that some forms of courtroom testimony may generate applause on social media while proving damaging in actual legal proceedings.
In one of the more striking parts of his commentary, Kotoko warned that some forms of courtroom testimony may generate applause on social media while proving damaging in actual legal proceedings.
He emphasized that expertise in such cases is not measured solely by academic qualifications, but also by practical field experience and careful legal understanding.
His comments have generated mixed reactions online. Some social media users agreed with his interpretation, arguing that the testimony appears to complicate Wontumi’s defense strategy.
His comments have generated mixed reactions online. Some social media users agreed with his interpretation, arguing that the testimony appears to complicate Wontumi’s defense strategy.
Others believe the defense team may still be able to use aspects of the testimony to challenge the prosecution’s claims.
Legal and political observers say the debate reflects growing public interest in how Ghana’s mining laws are enforced, especially when politically connected individuals become subjects of investigation or legal scrutiny.
Legal and political observers say the debate reflects growing public interest in how Ghana’s mining laws are enforced, especially when politically connected individuals become subjects of investigation or legal scrutiny.