The Office of the Attorney‑General has lodged a preliminary objection to an application by lawyers for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking leave to withdraw from representing him in an ongoing criminal trial before the High Court.
A notice filed at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on June 12, 2026, signalled the Republic’s intent to contest the motion, which was submitted on June 9. The case lists Wontumi as the first accused, Kwame Antwi—currently at large—as the second, and Akonta Mining Company Limited as the third.
Deputy Attorney‑General Dr Justice Srem‑Sai, who signed the notice, indicated that the prosecution’s objection rests on two key grounds: jurisdiction and “capacity and standing.” The filing stated: “Take notice that the Republic shall, on the grounds stated herein, raise a preliminary legal objection to the motion on notice for leave to withdraw legal services dated June 9, 2026.”
The document was addressed to the Registrar of the High Court (Criminal Division) and served on counsel for the accused persons, Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi of Appiah-Kubi & Associates.
The filing signals a fresh legal contest in the high-profile criminal proceedings, with the court expected to determine whether the application by counsel to withdraw can proceed in the face of the prosecution’s objection. No further details were provided in the notice regarding the specific arguments the Republic intends to advance in support of its objection.
Source: Jonathan Adjei
