State opposes Appiah-Kubi's move to withdraw from Wontumi's galamsey trial

The State has filed a preliminary legal objection at the High Court's Criminal Division against a motion by counsel for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, seeking to withdraw from his client's illegal mining trial.

According to the prosecution, the objection is based on issues of jurisdiction, capacity, and legal standing, arguing that the application to withdraw legal services is procedurally improper at this stage of the case.

The motion was filed by defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, who formally notified the court of his intention to discontinue his representation of Chairman Wontumi in the Samreboi illegal mining case involving his client and Akonta Mining Limited.

Speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen programme on Thursday, June 11, 2026, Appiah-Kubi confirmed that he had submitted an affidavit to the court outlining his reasons for withdrawing from the case.

He stressed that his decision was not influenced by the anticipated outcome of the trial.

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"I have filed a motion to withdraw from the case. My reasons are in the affidavit. I am withdrawing my legal services," he stated.

He further explained that, in his view, the case had been proceeding too quickly and that he was uncomfortable with how it had been handled. He also indicated plans to petition the Ghana Bar Association over the matter.

Meanwhile, the trial involving Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited over alleged illegal mining activities in Samreboi has been concluded.

The Accra High Court has set July 3, 2026, as the date for judgment after both the prosecution and defence closed their cases and submitted their final arguments. Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay has also directed both parties to file their final written submissions by June 17, 2026.

The accused persons face multiple charges, including facilitating unlicensed mining operations and transferring mineral rights without ministerial approval within the Samreboi concession area in the Western Region.

Throughout the proceedings, Chairman Wontumi has remained on bail under conditions that include a GH¢15 million bond, the surrender of his passport, and restrictions on foreign travel.

See the court document below:

JKB/MA

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