Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, and Akonta Mining Company Limited have applied to an Accra High Court to adjourn the delivery of judgment in an ongoing criminal case, citing the recent appointment of new legal counsel and the unavailability of certified court records.
The application, filed on June 23, 2026, seeks an order postponing the scheduled judgment to allow newly engaged counsel sufficient time to obtain and review the records of proceedings before the court delivers its ruling.
The criminal case involves Wontumi as the 1st accused person, Kwame Antwi as the 2nd accused person who is currently at large, and Akonta Mining Company Limited as the 3rd accused person. The Republic is the respondent in the matter.
In an affidavit supporting the application, lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea stated that he was engaged by the 1st accused person following the withdrawal of the previous lawyer handling the case.
According to him, the engagement came at a critical stage of the trial after the defence for the 1st and 3rd accused persons had already closed their case on June 3, 2026.
He explained that the court subsequently adjourned proceedings to July 3, 2026, for judgment.
Mr. Atta Akyea noted that following his appointment, he applied to the court registrar for certified copies of the entire record of proceedings and all relevant processes to enable him to adequately prepare written submissions on behalf of his clients.
However, he stated that as of June 23, the requested records had not been made available.
“The progression of this criminal trial should be a thorough perusal of the record of proceedings, which should form the basis of serious research and the filing of credible and competent written submissions,” portions of the affidavit stated.
The lawyer further argued that without access to the records, he is unable to properly familiarise himself with the proceedings and effectively represent the interests of his clients.
He contended that the circumstances raise issues relating to the constitutional right to a fair hearing as guaranteed under Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution.
Mr. Atta Akyea maintained that the accused persons are facing serious criminal charges with potentially significant consequences for their liberty, reputation, rights and interests, making it imperative for counsel to be afforded adequate time and access to the relevant records.
He also assured the court that the application was not intended to delay or obstruct the administration of justice but rather to ensure that the defence is properly represented before judgment is delivered.
According to him, granting the application would promote fairness and enhance public confidence in the judicial process.