Samreboi case: Six weeks will be enough for me to prepare my written submission — Atta Akyea

Lawyer for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, says six weeks would be sufficient for him to study the records in the Samreboi illegal mining case and prepare written submissions on behalf of his client.

The criminal case, which involves Wontumi and two others, is set to be culminated with a judgement on July 3.

However, Atta Akyea is asking the High Court 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.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews on Friday, June 26, Atta Akyea said the request for additional time is intended to guarantee a fair trial and enable him to adequately represent the accused persons following his recent appointment as counsel.

"Well, if you push me, six weeks, we'll be fine. If a citizen of this country is given six weeks to put together a credible written submission, it will not affect the inflation," Atta Akyea, reluctant to disclose the full details of the motion, said.

The comments come after the Attorney General opposed the application, arguing that the accused persons had legal representation throughout the trial and that the request was intended to delay the proceedings.

The Attorney General further contended that the new lawyer should have obtained the relevant records and briefing from the previous counsel instead of relying on the court registry.

Mr. Atta Akyea, however, argues that he only received the full record of proceedings recently and requires adequate time to review the documents before advising his client and filing written submissions.

He argued that written submissions represent a critical stage in criminal proceedings because they allow counsel to analyse the evidence, apply the law and persuade the court on why an accused person deserves an acquittal.

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

The High Court is expected to hear the application on Monday, June 29, to determine whether the July 3 judgment date should be maintained or adjourned.