The Lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has withdrawn from representing his client in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case, citing concerns over the conduct of proceedings and the court’s handling of the matter.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, June 11, Appiah-Kubi said his decision was informed by what he described as his disappointment with the court’s attitude, record and determinations in the case.
“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion.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.
He dismissed claims that his withdrawal was connected to ongoing plea bargaining discussions involving Chairman Wontumi in the alleged EXIM Bank fraud case, stressing that the two matters are separate and should not be linked.
Appiah-Kubi clarified that he will continue to represent Chairman Wontumi in all his other legal cases, including the EXIM Bank matter, noting that his withdrawal applies only to the Akonta Mining prosecution.
The case involving the Republic, Akonta Mining Limited and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako remains before the courts and has been adjourned to June 16 for the continuation of the cross-examination of a prosecution witness.
The prosecution alleges that Akonta Mining undertook mining operations within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without obtaining the required approvals from relevant state institutions, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining have denied any wrongdoing.
The trial forms part of the government’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies.
