Wontumi asks court to postpone judgment in Akonta Mining case

Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited have asked the High Court in Accra to delay judgment in their criminal case.

They say their newly appointed lawyer needs time to obtain and study the certified record of proceedings before judgment is delivered.

The application was filed on June 23 at the Criminal Division of the High Court.

Chairman Wontumi is listed as the first accused, while Akonta Mining Company Limited is the third accused.

Kwame Antwi, the second accused, is said to be at large.

The applicants are asking the court to defer judgment for a reasonable period.

They argue that the postponement is necessary to allow their new counsel to properly review the record and prepare written submissions.

The affidavit in support of the application was sworn by former Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea of Zoe, Akyea & Co.

Mr Atta Akyea said he was recently engaged by Chairman Wontumi after the previous lawyer withdrew from the case at what he described as a strategic stage of the proceedings.

According to him, the defence for Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining closed on June 3.

The court then adjourned the matter to July 3 for judgment.

Mr Atta Akyea said after taking over the brief, he applied to the Registrar for certified copies of the entire record of proceedings and processes in the case.

He said those documents had not been made available to him as of June 23.

The lawyer argued that without the court records, he would be unable to properly acquaint himself with what had happened in the trial.

He said the record was necessary for him to discharge his professional duties effectively and prepare competent written submissions.

Mr Atta Akyea also argued that the accused persons are facing serious criminal charges with possible consequences for their liberty, reputation, rights and interests.

He relied on Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair hearing and effective legal representation.

According to him, granting the application would protect the accused persons’ right to a fair trial and also enhance public confidence in the administration of justice.

He insisted that the application is not intended to obstruct or delay justice.

Rather, he said it is meant to ensure that new counsel has a fair opportunity to examine the record before the court delivers judgment.

The High Court is expected to determine whether to grant the request before the scheduled judgment date.