Lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from representing him in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.
Speaking on Thursday, June 11, Andy Appiah-Kubi explained that his decision was due to concerns about how the case has been handled by the court so far.
“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion. My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determinations of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed that is why I am withdrawing,” he stated.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi rejected claims that his withdrawal is connected to the plea bargaining discussions involving Chairman Wontumi in the EXIM Bank alleged fraud case. He stressed that the two cases are separate and should not be linked together.
He also made it clear that he remains Chairman Wontumi’s lawyer in all his other legal matters, including the EXIM Bank case. According to him, his decision to step away applies only to the Akonta Mining case.
The case involving the Republic, Akonta Mining Limited and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako is still before the court. Proceedings have been adjourned to June 16 for the continuation of the cross-examination of a prosecution witness.
The prosecution claims that Akonta Mining carried out mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without obtaining the required approvals from state authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
However, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining have denied any wrongdoing.
The trial is part of the government’s wider efforts to fight illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to pose a serious threat to Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
