Samreboi case: 'I'm surprised AG is opposing my request for more time' — Atta Akyea

Lawyer for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, has expressed surprise over the Attorney General's decision to oppose his application seeking additional time to prepare written submissions in the Samreboi illegal mining case.

Mr. Atta Akyea asserts that his application is intended to safeguard his client's right to a fair trial and not to delay the proceedings as alleged by the Attorney General.

He made the remarks during an interview on Accra-based JoyNews on Friday, June 26, ahead of the hearing of the application scheduled for June 29.

The Attorney General has opposed the application, arguing that the accused persons had legal representation throughout the trial and that the request for adjournment is intended to frustrate the administration of justice.

The state further contends that the new lawyer should have obtained the case records and briefing from the previous counsel rather than seeking documents through the court registry.

"I'm very surprised that even the Attorney General by an affidavit have been in opposition and say that we are trying to delay the trial, but then if you don't give us opportunity, and then we don't shed light on the case from our perspective, then there suffers a miscarriage of justice," Mr. Atta Akyea said.

According to him, he only received the complete record of proceedings recently and requires adequate time to study the documents and prepare written submissions on behalf of his client.

He argued that the stage of written submissions is crucial in a criminal trial because it gives counsel the opportunity to analyse the evidence, apply the law and persuade the court on why an accused person deserves an acquittal.

Mr. Atta Akyea stressed that denying him the opportunity to prepare submissions would undermine the constitutional right to a fair hearing.

"To shut the door on his face when he has no lawyer, I don't believe that will be justice," he stated.

The former Abuakwa South MP also argued that an accused person who lacks legal training cannot reasonably be expected to address the court or prepare written submissions without legal representation.

He said his request was not for an indefinite postponement, indicating that six weeks would be sufficient to familiarise himself with the proceedings and prepare a credible submission.

The High Court is expected to hear the application on Monday, June 29, as it considers whether to proceed with the scheduled July 3 judgment or grant the request for additional time.