Read the full ruling on Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal case

Following proceedings on June 15, 2026, in which an Accra High Court dismissed a withdrawal application filed by Andy Appiah-Kubi, former lawyer for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a document containing the full ruling has surfaced online.

In the court document sighted by GhanaWeb on June 16, 2026, the presiding judge, Audrey Kucovie-Tay, explained the reasons for dismissing Appiah-Kubi’s motion.

According to the judge, the former counsel did not require the court’s permission to withdraw his legal services from representing his client, adding that there is no procedural requirement for a lawyer in a criminal matter to file an appearance.

Galamsey Trial: Court throws out Andy Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal application

“It is the considered opinion of this court that the instant application is a surplusage in the sense that there is no procedural requirement for a lawyer in a criminal matter to file an appearance.

"In the same way, there is no such procedural requirement under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30),” the ruling stated.

Also, the trial involving Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited over alleged illegal mining activities in Samreboi is at the concluding stage.

The Accra High Court has fixed July 3, 2026, to deliver its final judgment after both the prosecution and defence closed their cases and filed final arguments.

Chairman Wontumi is facing multiple charges, including allegations of facilitating unlicensed mining operations and transferring mineral rights without ministerial approval within the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

Read the full statement below:

COURT UPDATE

Full ruling of the Accra High Court on the notice to withdraw as lawyer for Chairman Wontumi by Andy Appiah Kubi pic.twitter.com/aBaCAhOARp

— Austine (@obiMpenaAustine) June 15, 2026