Lawyers representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application with the High Court seeking a postponement of the judgment in his ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The request, submitted by newly appointed counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, asks the court to defer the scheduled July 3 verdict in order to allow the defence more time to obtain the certified record of proceedings and prepare written submissions.
This development follows the recent withdrawal of Wontumi’s previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who stepped down shortly after the defence concluded its case. While the court rejected an application for leave to withdraw, it clarified that, in criminal cases, a lawyer does not require the court’s permission to cease representing a client, making the matter one for the client and lawyer to resolve.
In his supporting affidavit, Atta Akyea explained that he was only appointed on June 19, after the prior counsel’s withdrawal. Since then, he has requested certified copies of proceedings and relevant documents from the court registry, but has yet to receive them. Without access to the complete record, Atta Akyea argues, he cannot adequately review the case or effectively represent his clients.
He further emphasized that, given the gravity of the criminal charges and their potential consequences, Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited are entitled to effective legal representation at every stage of the trial. Granting the adjournment, Atta Akyea contends, would not prejudice the prosecution, but would uphold the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial and bolster public confidence in the justice system.
The High Court had originally set July 3, 2026, for judgment following the close of the defence’s case. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused face allegations related to illegal mining activities, charges they have consistently denied.
Atta Akyea insists that the application is not meant to delay justice, but rather to ensure proper legal preparation before a final judgment is delivered. The court is expected to rule on the adjournment request in the coming days.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com