The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited have asked the Accra High Court to defer delivery of judgment in their criminal trial, citing the recent appointment of new counsel and the absence of certified court records.
In a Notice of Motion filed on June 23, 2026, lawyers for the first and third accused persons requested the Criminal Division of the High Court to postpone judgment “for a reasonable period” to allow newly appointed counsel to obtain and review the full record of proceedings.
The affidavit was sworn by Samuel Atta Akyea, Esq. of Zoe, Akyea & Co., who explained that he was engaged “in the panic” of the first accused after the previous lawyer withdrew service at what he described as a “strategic climax of the case.” He noted that after the defence closed on June 3, the court adjourned the matter to July 3 for judgment.
Atta Akyea stated that he applied to the Registrar for certified copies of the entire record and processes to prepare written submissions, but as of June 23, the records had not been delivered. He argued that without the records, he was “unable to adequately acquaint myself with the proceedings and effectively discharge my professional obligations.”
Citing Article 19 of the Constitution, he stressed that the accused persons are entitled to a fair hearing and effective legal representation at every stage. He added that the charges carry serious consequences for their liberty, reputation, rights, and interests, and that granting the application would “enhance public confidence in the administration of justice.”
Atta Akyea emphasized that the application was not intended to obstruct or delay proceedings but solely to enable him to peruse the record before judgment.
The case lists Kwame Antwi as the second accused, described as ‘at large’, with the Republic as respondent. Judgment had initially been scheduled for July 3, 2026.
