The counsel for Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Samuel Atta Akyea, has filed an application before the High Court seeking a postponement of his client’s judgment in the ongoing Samreboi mining case.
Atta Aykea, in his application, filed before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, is asking the court to defer the delivery of judgment scheduled for July 3, 2026.
He is asking the court for sufficient time to familiarise himself with the case and prepare written submissions on behalf of his clients.
According to Atta Akyea, written submissions constitute an important component of criminal proceedings and often provide counsel with the opportunity to highlight key legal and factual issues that may assist the court in their decision.
Part of the the affidavit filed by Wontumi’s lawyer read, “As counsel presently on record for the accused persons, it is necessary that I be afforded a reasonable opportunity to familiarise myself with the record and advise my clients appropriately”.
Atta Akyea stressed that the outcome of the case could have significant implications for their liberty, reputation, rights, and interests, making effective legal representation essential.
He argued that the constitutional right to a fair trial necessarily includes the right of an accused person to effective legal representation at every stage of criminal proceedings, comprising the period closely preceding judgment.
Atta Akyea highlighted that denying him the opportunity to review the proceedings and prepare a comprehensive submission would place his clients at a substantial disadvantage, especially when the prosecution team led by the Attorney-General.
“The Republic is ably represented by the Hon. Attorney-General and his formidable team, who will put together a written submission ostensibly to hammer out the guilt of the accused persons”.
“The sole purpose of this application is to enable me to obtain and peruse the record of proceedings before judgment is delivered”, the affidavit states.
Earlier, Samuel Atta Akyea revealed he will plead with the court to reschedule Wontumi’s Samreboi illegal mining case.
According to Wontumi’s new Lawyer, the court must reschedule the July 3 judgment date in Chairman Wontumi’s Samreboi illegal mining case to ensure a fair trial.
Speaking to the media, Samuel Atta Akyea, Wontumi’s new lawyer, stated, “I have taken over the criminal case that Lawyer Appiah Kubi was handling. I’ll plead the court because if you want to have a fair trial, and if you want our input as part of the thinking of the Judge, we should be allowed time so we will be able to do what is necessary.”
Meanwhile, Samuel Atta Akyea explained the decision to represent his new client.
Atta Akyea highlighted that he decided to ensure that Wontumi was not left without legal representation at a critical stage of his criminal case.
According to Atta Akyea, the case is highly sensitive and adding that allowing an accused person to face proceedings without counsel would not serve the interests of justice.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, June 15, Atta Akyea explained, “I think that this case is very sensitive. For him not to have legal representation at this stage will not sit well with the criminal justice delivery system”.
“Andy had indicated to my latest client that he wanted to exit the case, so he was not fired. It was his voluntary announcement to Wontumi that, for some considerations, he did not see himself continuing with the case,” Atta Akyea explained.
“It is too sensitive a stage for him to be abandoned, and I can say that was one of the considerations that made me elect to help him,” he said.
Atta Akyea also added that defence lawyers are expected to marshal the evidence and present written submissions aimed at proving that the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The strength of the written submission, if it is based on evidence and law, can be good enough to secure an acquittal. Most lawyers will agree with me that that is how it works,” he stated.
See the post below:
Breaking!!!
— Austine (@obiMpenaAustine) June 24, 2026
Lawyer for Chairman Wontumi in the Samreboi case files application asking the Judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay to defer judgement to allow him to acquaint himself of all the proceedings
The date for address was moved from 17th to 24th June and judgement was 3rd July 2026 pic.twitter.com/WqmzRjDQbv
