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Lawyers for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application at the High Court seeking to postpone the delivery of judgment in a criminal case involving him and Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The motion, filed by his newly appointed lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, requests that the court defer the scheduled July 3, 2026 judgment to allow adequate time to obtain certified records of proceedings and prepare final written submissions.
The application follows the withdrawal of the defendant’s previous counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, shortly after the defence closed its case. Although an earlier request for formal leave to withdraw was dismissed, the court ruled that lawyers in criminal matters may discontinue representation without the court’s permission, describing it as a matter between counsel and client.
In an affidavit supporting the motion, Atta Akyea stated that he was only recently engaged on June 19 to take over the case and has since requested certified copies of the proceedings and filed documents from the court registry, which are yet to be provided.
He explained that without access to the full record, he is unable to fully acquaint himself with the case or properly fulfil his professional responsibilities to his clients.
The affidavit further argues that, given the seriousness of the charges and their potential consequences, the accused persons are entitled to effective legal representation at every stage of the trial process.
It also maintains that granting the adjournment would not prejudice the prosecution, but would instead safeguard the constitutional right to a fair hearing and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Counsel insists the request is not intended to delay or obstruct proceedings, but rather to ensure adequate preparation before judgment is delivered.
The High Court has scheduled July 3, 2026, for judgment following the close of the defence’s case. Chairman Wontumi and his co-accused are facing allegations linked to illegal mining activities, which they have denied.
Source: citinews
