Private legal practitioner and counsel for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, has formally withdrawn from representing his client in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal proceedings.
The withdrawal relates specifically to the case involving Akonta Mining Limited, which is currently before the courts.
Speaking on Citi FM on Thursday, June 11, Appiah-Kubi explained that his decision was driven by dissatisfaction with how the trial has been handled so far.
He said his concerns stem from the conduct of the court and its handling of proceedings 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“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion.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.
The lawyer rejected claims that his decision is connected to ongoing plea bargaining discussions in the separate EXIM Bank-related case involving Chairman Wontumi. He insisted that both matters are unrelated and should not be conflated.
Despite stepping aside from the Akonta Mining trial, Appiah-Kubi clarified that he will continue to represent Wontumi in other legal matters, including the EXIM Bank case.
The prosecution in the Akonta Mining matter maintains that the company undertook mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the required approvals from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other relevant state agencies.
The case, which involves the Republic against Akonta Mining Limited and Chairman Wontumi, has been adjourned to June 16 for further cross-examination of a prosecution witness as the trial progresses.
