The High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra has rejected an application by lawyer Andy Appiah‑Kubi to withdraw from representing Akonta Mining Company Limited, Kwame Antwi, and Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi‑Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in their ongoing criminal trial.
The court upheld a preliminary objection raised by the Attorney‑General, ruling that the motion was incompetent since counsel is not legally required to seek the court’s permission before discontinuing representation. The Attorney‑General had argued that the application presented no issues warranting judicial consideration.
In sustaining the State’s objection, the court struck out the motion and clarified that the filing of closing addresses remains optional. It extended the deadline for any submissions to June 23, 2026, and adjourned the case to July 3, 2026, for judgment. This development follows Mr. Appiah‑Kubi’s recent indication that he intended to step down from the case, citing dissatisfaction with the court’s handling of proceedings. The Attorney‑General’s challenge to that move ultimately led to the dismissal of the application.
Source: myjoyonline.com
