The Attorney-General has filed a preliminary legal objection against an application by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi seeking permission to withdraw from representing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and other accused persons in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal trial.
The objection, filed at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra, seeks to block Mr Appiah-Kubi’s motion for leave to cease acting as counsel in the case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited and its associated defendants.
According to the Attorney-General’s Office, the application raises legal questions that must first be determined by the court before any withdrawal can be approved.
A notice signed by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai indicates that the State intends to challenge the motion on grounds relating to jurisdiction as well as capacity and standing.
“The Republic shall, on the grounds stated herein, raise a preliminary legal objection to the motion on notice for leave to withdraw legal services dated June 9, 2026,” the notice stated.
The development follows Mr Appiah-Kubi’s recent announcement that he was stepping down from the case, citing dissatisfaction with the court’s handling of the proceedings.
In an affidavit supporting his motion, he said disagreements over procedural decisions and his disappointment with certain rulings had affected his confidence in continuing with the matter.
“My disappointment is in the attitude, record and determinations of the court so far in handling these matters before the court.” Mr Appiah-Kubi explained.
He, however, clarified that his decision relates only to the Akonta Mining case and does not affect his representation of Chairman Wontumi in other legal matters.
The High Court is expected to hear the withdrawal application and the Attorney-General’s objection before proceeding toward judgment, which is scheduled for July 3, 2026.
