Samreboi case: Appiah Kubi cites disappointment with court in withdrawal application

Lawyer Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi has explained why he wanted to withdraw his legal services to New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited, in the ongoing Samreboi case.

The application, which was heard on Monday, June 15, comes as the criminal trial involving alleged illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region nears its conclusion, with judgment scheduled for July 3.

Appiah Kubi, counsel for the first and third accused persons, filed the motion asking the court to permit him to cease acting on their behalf after months of legal representation.

In an affidavit supporting the application, the former Asante Akyem North MP said he had become disappointed by several decisions of the court and feared that the situation could affect his performance and ultimately the interests of his clients.

He stated that disagreements over procedural matters had at times led to mistrust among the prosecution, defence and the bench.

"That, I feel very disappointed in the various decisions of the Court and do not want same to affect my performance and ultimately, the fortunes of my clients," Appiah Kubi stated in the affidavit.

According to him, his disappointment had affected the emotional and psychological balance required to maintain the level of performance needed for the task ahead.

The lawyer further argued that the interests of his clients would be better served if another legal team took over the defence.

"That I personally believe the interest of my clients will be better served if I withdrew to allow other professionals to come in and take over from where I am leaving off," he added.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Court 4 has dismissed the motion, ruling that the motion was not supported by any rule of court or judicial authority and was therefore incompetent.