Lawyers for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, have filed an urgent application at the High Court seeking to postpone judgment in their ongoing illegal mining trial.
The application, filed before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on June 23, requests that the scheduled July 3 judgment be deferred to allow newly appointed counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, sufficient time to review the case record and prepare written submissions.
The request follows the withdrawal of the defendants’ former lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, from the case on June 11.
In an affidavit supporting the application, Mr. Atta Akyea stated that the defence closed its case on June 3 and that the matter was subsequently adjourned to July 3 for judgment. He argued that the recent change in legal representation at a crucial stage of the proceedings requires adequate time for a thorough review of the record and preparation of a competent written submission.
The defence further cited Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution, contending that the accused persons are entitled to a fair hearing, including effective legal representation throughout the trial process.
The court is expected to determine whether to grant the request ahead of the scheduled judgment date.
 Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and his company.){kind=link}