The Attorney-General has opposed a bid by defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi to withdraw from representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, and two co-accused in the Akonta Mining case.
The state filed a “Notice of Preliminary Legal Objection” Friday (12 June) at the Accra High Court, Criminal Division, according to court documents.
The objection targets a 9 June motion on notice for leave to withdraw legal services for Wontumi, the 1st accused; Kwame Antwi, listed as “at large” and named 2nd accused; and Akonta Mining Company Limited, the 3rd accused.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai said the Republic will challenge the withdrawal application on grounds of “jurisdiction, and capacity and standing”.
Background
Andy Appiah-Kubi announced on Thursday (11 June) that he was withdrawing from representing the Ashanti Regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a criminal case involving Akonta Mining, citing dissatisfaction with the conduct of court proceedings.
He said his decision was based on what he described as concerns over the “attitude, record and determinations” of the court handling the matter.
“My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determinations of the court so far,” he said in remarks on Citi FM, adding that his withdrawal had been formally filed through a motion and affidavit.
The case, which involves Akonta Mining Limited and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, remains before Criminal Court 4 and has been adjourned to June 16 for continued cross-examination of a prosecution witness.
Appiah-Kubi rejected suggestions that his withdrawal was linked to ongoing plea bargain discussions in a separate EXIM Bank-related fraud case, insisting the matters are distinct.
He added that he will continue to represent Antwi-Boasiako in other pending legal matters.
Prosecutors allege that Akonta Mining carried out mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without required approvals from state authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The accused have denied wrongdoing.
Source: Asaase Radio
