Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea has petitioned the High Court to postpone judgment in the criminal case involving Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited, citing the need for adequate time to familiarize himself with the case.
The application follows Mr. Atta Akyea’s recent appointment as legal counsel for the first and third accused persons after the withdrawal of their previous lawyer at the close of the defence stage.
In a motion filed before the court, the newly appointed counsel requested a reasonable adjournment of the judgment process to allow him to obtain and study the certified record of proceedings and all documents filed in the matter.
“We seek an order deferring the delivery of judgment for a reasonable period to enable newly appointed counsel obtain and peruse the certified record of proceedings and all processes filed in the case,” the application stated.
According to an accompanying affidavit, the accused persons were left without legal representation at a critical point in the trial following the exit of their former lawyer, necessitating the engagement of new counsel.
Mr. Atta Akyea argued that reviewing the records is essential to enable him to effectively represent his clients and prepare comprehensive legal submissions before the court reaches its final decision.
He maintained that access to the full proceedings would allow him to formulate what he described as a “credible and competent written submission” on behalf of the accused persons.
The application places the spotlight on procedural fairness and the right of accused persons to adequate legal representation, particularly at the final stages of criminal proceedings.
The court is expected to determine whether the request for additional time is justified before proceeding with the delivery of judgment in the case involving Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited.
