The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has filed a preliminary legal objection in response to an application by counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, seeking leave to withdraw legal services in an ongoing criminal case.
The objection was filed at the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra in the case of The Republic versus Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Kwame Antwi (at large), and Akonta Mining Company Limited.
The application for withdrawal of legal services was reportedly filed on June 9, 2026, by defence counsel, Mr. Andy Appiah-Kubi, who represents the accused persons in the matter.
In its notice filed on June 12, 2026, and signed by the Deputy Attorney General, Dr Justice Srem Sai, the state indicated that it would oppose the application on the grounds of jurisdiction and capacity and standi.
The state is therefore challenging the legal basis upon which the request for withdrawal has been made, arguing that the court must first determine whether it has the proper jurisdiction to entertain the motion and whether the applicants have the necessary legal standing.
Prior to the application by Wontumi’s lawyer, the High Court presided by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay had scheduled to deliver judgment in the substantive case on July 3, 2026.