Court Rejects Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi’s Bid to Withdraw from Chairman Wontumi Criminal Case
Introduction
The Chairman Wontumi Criminal Case has taken a serious twist after the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra threw out an application filed by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi for leave to discontinue his legal representation in the ongoing criminal trial involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, Kwame Antwi and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.
The court ruled that the application was procedurally flawed and upheld a preliminary objection raised by the Attorney-General.
High Court Rejects Withdrawal Request in Chairman Wontumi Criminal Case
The High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra has dismissed an application by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, who sought leave to withdraw his legal representation in the ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited, Kwame Antwi, and Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.
The court upheld the Attorney-General’s preliminary objection and ruled that the application was incompetent because there is no legal requirement for a lawyer to seek the court’s permission before withdrawing legal services.
Attorney-General Challenges the Application
The Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai argued that the motion did not raise any issue requiring judicial determination and therefore should not be entertained by the court.
The state maintained that the motion did not present any issue requiring judicial determination and therefore should not have been brought before the court for adjudication.
Court Upholds State’s Objection
In its ruling, the court agreed with the Attorney-General’s position and consequently dismissed the application.
The judge said there was no need for court action because the existing legal processes do not require a lawyer to get court permission to end legal representation.
Court Reaffirms Closing Addresses Deadline
The court also reaffirmed that filing closing addresses in the matter is not a requirement under the relevant procedural rules.
But it has extended the deadline for submission of any closing statements to June 24, 2026.
Judgment Scheduled for July 3, 2026
Following the ruling, the case was adjourned to July 3, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
The latest development follows Mr. Appiah-Kubi’s recent announcement that he intended to withdraw from the proceedings due to his dissatisfaction with the conduct of the case.
Attorney-General’s Office Opposed the Withdrawal Bid
Despite the lawyer’s intention to step away from the case, the Attorney-General’s Office challenged the application.
As a result, the court decided to dismiss the request and allow the matter to proceed toward judgment without further delay.
Conclusion
The Chairman Wontumi Criminal Case is on course as the High Court dismissed the application by Andy Appiah-Kubi to withdraw from representing the accused parties. In affirming the Attorney-General’s challenge, the court clarified that the law does not require legal counsel to secure the court’s consent before withdrawing their services. With the deadline for closing addresses extended to June 24, 2026, all attention now turns to July 3, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its judgment.
Also Read: https://verifiedreportsghana.com/chairman-wontumi-lawyer-withdraws-high-court-criminal-case/