Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has applied to the High Court to seek a postponement of judgment in the ongoing Samreboi mining case through his newly appointed lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea.
The application, filed before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, seeks to defer the July 3, 2026 judgment date to allow Atta Akyea adequate time to study the case and prepare written submissions on behalf of his clients.
According to the motion, Atta Akyea was recently engaged after the previous lawyer representing Wontumi and another accused person withdrew from the case at a crucial stage of the trial.
In an affidavit supporting the application, the former Abuakwa South MP explained that the defence closed its case on June 3, 2026, and the matter was subsequently adjourned for judgment on July 3.
He argued that written submissions are a vital part of criminal proceedings, allowing lawyers to highlight important legal and factual issues that may assist the court in reaching a fair decision.
Atta Akyea stated that he has already filed a notice of appearance and applied for certified copies of the court proceedings and related documents but has yet to receive them.
According to him, without access to the complete records, he cannot properly review the evidence and proceedings or effectively advise his clients.
“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,” he stated.
The lawyer further argued that the charges against the accused carry serious consequences and that effective legal representation is essential to safeguarding their rights and interests.
Citing Article 19 of the Constitution, he maintained that the right to a fair hearing includes the right to effective legal representation at every stage of criminal proceedings, including before judgment is delivered.
Atta Akyea stressed that the application is not intended to delay justice but to ensure that he has sufficient time to review the records and present arguments on behalf of his clients.
He also argued that granting the request would not prejudice the prosecution and would instead reinforce public confidence in the judicial process.
The court is expected to rule on whether the judgment in the high-profile Samreboi mining case should be postponed.
