Wontumi Galamsey Case: Appiah-Kubi accuses Deputy AG of prejudicial remarks

Andy Appiah-Kubi, lead counsel for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, has accused Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai of making comments that suggest the court should proceed to convict the accused persons in an ongoing trial.

In an interview with TV3 on Monday, April 20, 2026, he described the remarks as “very unfortunate” and prejudicial to fairness in the justice system.

He argued that such comments undermine the neutrality expected of the state’s legal representatives, insisting that the justice system requires fairness and restraint from the Attorney General’s office.

High Court orders Wontumi to open defence in illegal mining case

“It is very unfortunate, especially coming from the Attorney General, who doubles as Minister of Justice. He forgets that the justice system needs fairness and impartiality in court proceedings. We have an Attorney General who appears to be in a hurry to seek conviction,” he said.

Appiah-Kubi also defended the actions of the defence team, stating that they acted within their legal rights after filing an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the High Court’s directive.

“It is not a failure not to file; it was a strategic decision based on the appeal process. We have taken steps allowed by law, including going to the Court of Appeal. The Constitution provides room for accused persons to adequately prepare their defence,” he noted.

In March 2026, an Accra High Court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case and directed the accused persons to file their witness statements by April 14, 2026, if they intended to mount a defence.

However, when the case was called on April 20, 2026, the defence had not complied with the court’s directive.

Appiah-Kubi told the court that the defence did not file witness statements because it had lodged processes at the Court of Appeal challenging the High Court’s ruling.

He noted that although a previous appeal on the same matter had been dismissed, a fresh application for a stay of proceedings had been filed, arguing that continuing the trial while the appeal is pending would prejudice the outcome of the case.

The defence has therefore urged the High Court to adjourn proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.

Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, are facing six counts of allegedly permitting individuals to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining activities.

See the video below:

Andy Appiah-Kubi, lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi, has described as prejudicial and unfortunate comments by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai after the latter 'prayed' the court to convict his client.

Earlier, the defence lawyers had informed the… pic.twitter.com/oll3UpQnoB

— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) April 20, 2026

JKB/MA

2026 Ghana Beverages Awards hailed as biggest and best so far - Emma Wenani