Wontumi's lawyers file motion to postpone July 3 judgment in Samreboi case
Lawyers for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed a motion seeking the postponement of the July 3 judgment in the Samreboi illegal mining case.
The application, filed by newly appointed counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, is asking the High Court in Accra to defer the delivery of judgment to allow him adequate time to study the case records and prepare written submissions on behalf of his clients.
The motion comes barely a week before the court is scheduled to deliver judgment in the criminal case involving Mr. Antwi-Boasiako, another accused person who is currently at large, and Akonta Mining Company Limited.
In the application filed on June 23, Mr. Atta Akyea argued that he was only recently engaged by the first and third accused persons after their previous lawyer withdrew from the case at a crucial stage of the proceedings.
"Unfortunately, at this strategic climax of the case, the lawyer of record for the Accused persons withdrew his service rendering them helpless in the putting together of that legal and skilled write-up which may inform and input the judgment of this Honourable Court," the affidavit stated in part.
According to the lawyer, the court had adjourned the case on June 3 for judgment to be delivered on July 3 after the defence had closed its case.
He said he subsequently filed a notice of appointment and requested certified copies of the proceedings and other court processes to enable him properly represent his clients.
However, Mr. Atta Akyea stated that the requested documents had not yet been made available to him, making it difficult to prepare the necessary written submissions.
He maintained that the accused persons face serious criminal charges that could significantly affect their liberty, rights and reputation, making effective legal representation essential.
"The instant application is not intended to obstruct, delay or frustrate the administration of justice. The sole purpose of this application is to enable me obtain and peruse the record of proceedings before judgment is delivered," he said.
The lawyer further argued that granting the application would ensure the constitutional right to a fair hearing and strengthen public confidence in the administration of justice.