Why the rush? - Atta Akyea defends walkout after judge rejects adjournment

Lead counsel for former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, Samuel Atta Akyea, has justified walking out of an Accra High Court sitting on Thursday, October 23, after Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei refused his request for an adjournment.

Addressing journalists after the incident, Atta Akyea explained that his legal team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to prohibit Justice Nyantei from presiding over the case on grounds of bias.

In an adomonline.com report on October 24, 2025, he argued that once the motion was before the apex court, the High Court should have halted proceedings until a ruling was made.

Drama in Court as lawyers of Adu-Boahene stage walkout

“I had filed a motion at the Supreme Court asking that the judge be prohibited from handling the matter because we do not believe justice will be served. I informed the court and requested an adjournment until the Supreme Court decides. The judge declined and insisted on proceeding,” he stated.

The former Works and Housing Minister questioned the urgency with which the trial was being pursued, describing the judge’s approach as ‘unnecessary haste’.

“Why the rush? Why can’t the judge wait for a week for the Supreme Court’s decision before continuing?” he asked.

Earlier in court, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah opposed the adjournment request, arguing that there was no legal basis to suspend the trial.

Justice Nyantei subsequently ruled that the case would proceed, allowing the second prosecution witness to take the stand despite the defence team’s walkout.

The matter now awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on the motion to bar Justice Nyantei from hearing the case.

Court throws out Adu-Boahene's move to stop criminal trial

Adu-Boahene, his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, and two others are facing multiple charges including theft, money laundering involving approximately GH¢49.1 million, causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office.

A third accused person, Mildred Donkor, has turned state witness after charges against her were withdrawn.

MRA/JE

Scenes at Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings' residence following her passing