Lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has explained the reasons behind his decision to withdraw from the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, June 11, Andy Appiah-Kubi said his withdrawal was driven by dissatisfaction with the manner in which the case has been handled by the court.
According to him, he filed a motion to officially withdraw from the proceedings, citing concerns about the court’s conduct, records, and decisions in the matter.
“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion. My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determinations of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed that is why I am withdrawing,” he stated.
Appiah-Kubi rejected claims that his decision is connected to ongoing plea bargain discussions involving Chairman Wontumi in the separate EXIM Bank alleged fraud case. He stressed that the two cases are unrelated and should not be linked.
He further clarified that he remains legal counsel for Chairman Wontumi in all other matters, including the EXIM Bank case, and that his withdrawal applies only to the Akonta Mining prosecution.
The case involving the Republic, Akonta Mining Limited and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako has been adjourned to June 16 for the continuation of the cross-examination of a prosecution witness.
Prosecutors allege that Akonta Mining conducted mining activities in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the required approvals from state authorities, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Both Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and Akonta Mining have denied any wrongdoing. The trial forms part of the government’s wider efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, which continues to pose a threat to Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
