The Attorney-General has opposed an application by defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi to withdraw from representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) and two co-accused persons in the high-profile Akonta Mining illegal mining case.
The state filed a “Notice of Preliminary Legal Objection” on Friday, June 12, at the Accra High Court, Criminal Division, challenging the lawyer’s motion filed on June 9 seeking leave to withdraw his services.
According to court documents, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai said the Republic will contest the application on grounds of jurisdiction, capacity, and standing.
Background
Andy Appiah-Kubi announced on Thursday, June 11, that he was withdrawing from the case, citing dissatisfaction with the “attitude, record and determinations” of the court handling the matter.
He made the remarks on Citi FM, adding that the withdrawal had been formally filed through a motion and supporting affidavit.
The case, involving Akonta Mining Limited and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, is before Criminal Court 4 and has been adjourned to June 16 for the continuation of cross-examination of a prosecution witness.
Mr Appiah-Kubi rejected suggestions that his withdrawal was linked to ongoing plea bargain discussions in a separate EXIM Bank-related fraud case, insisting the two matters are distinct. He said he would continue to represent Chairman Wontumi in other pending cases.
Prosecutors allege that Akonta Mining carried out illegal mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the necessary approvals from state authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The accused persons have denied the charges.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
