Samreboi case: AG files objection to stop Appiah Kubi from withdrawing services as Wontumi's lawyer

The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has filed a preliminary legal objection against a motion by lawyer Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi seeking leave to withdraw his legal services in the ongoing illegal mining case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

A notice filed at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on Friday, June 12, indicates that the Republic intends to challenge the application when it comes up for hearing.

The objection relates to Appiah Kubi's motion dated June 9, in which he sought permission from the court to cease acting as counsel for the first accused person in the case titled The Republic v Bernard Antwi Boasiako & 2 Others.

According to the notice signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the prosecution will raise objections based on issues of jurisdiction as well as capacity and standing.

"TAKE NOTICE that 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 read in part.

The application is expected to be moved before Criminal Court 4 on Monday, June 15, just weeks before judgment is scheduled to be delivered on July 3.

Chairman Wontumi is standing trial alongside another accused person and Akonta Mining Company Limited over alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.

The Attorney-General's latest move comes a day after Appiah Kubi publicly explained the reasons behind his decision to withdraw from the case.

In an interview with 1957 News, the former Asante Akyem North MP rejected claims that he had lost confidence in his client and instead blamed his decision on disagreements with certain rulings and the conduct of the court.

"I must say that I'm disappointed with decisions of the court, and I'm disappointed with the attitude of the court," Appiah Kubi said.

He further alleged that the court had failed to compel the prosecution to produce copies of an alleged assignment document he considered crucial to the defence and suggested that the relationship between himself and the court had become strained.