The Kumasi High Court has adjourned a high-profile illegal mining case involving the Paramount Chief of Twifo Atti-Morkwa, Oseadeayo Kwasi Kenin IV, to October 28, 2024.

The case revolves around accusations that the chief and his associates engaged in unauthorized mining activities on a licensed concession owned by Kadesh Mining Enterprise.

According to lawyers representing Kadesh Mining, the defendants—including the chief’s linguist and foreign collaborators—illegally mined over 85% of the company’s 14.73-acre concession.

The plaintiffs are seeking to recover GH¢15 million worth of gold allegedly extracted by the defendants, in addition to GH¢20 million in general damages.

Central to the latest court proceedings is a jurisdictional dispute.

The defendants have filed a motion requesting that the matter be referred to the Chief Justice to determine whether the case should be heard in Kumasi or Cape Coast, as most of the defendants reside in Twifo Praso.

However, Kadesh Mining's counsel, Hansen Kwadwo Koduah, argued that the Kumasi High Court has jurisdiction to hear the case and raised concerns about the safety of his clients if the case were moved to Cape Coast.

The defense lawyer countered by asserting that the security situation in Cape Coast was sufficient and called for the Chief Justice to make a decision on the appropriate venue for the case.

In the meantime, trial judge His Lordship Samuel Faraday Johnson verbally ordered the defendants to refrain from any activities on the disputed concession until the court rules on an interlocutory injunction filed by the plaintiffs.

The court is set to reconvene on October 28, 2024, to determine whether the case will continue in Kumasi or be referred to the Chief Justice for reassignment.