Accra, June 29, GNA – An Accra High Court has deferred judgement in the Samreboi illegal mining case against Bernard Antwi Boasiako to July 20, 2026.
Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, newly appointed counsel for Boasiako, also known as Wontumi, was granted up to July 13, 2026, to file his written address.
The defence counsel filed a motion requesting time to familiarise himself with the record of proceedings, undertake a thorough review and research, and file credible submissions on behalf of Boasiako and Akonta Mining Company Limited, accused of engaging in illegal mining at the Samreboi Forest Reserve.
Mr Atta Akyea argued that without a complete record of proceedings, it would be difficult to acquaint himself with the case and discharge his professional obligation.
He also contended that granting the application would facilitate the effective exercise of constitutional rights and secure a fair trial.
Mr Atta Akyea recently took over the case after Mr Andy Appiah withdrew his legal services.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice opposed the motion, describing the request for deferment as unjustified.
The state argued that the accused persons had been represented by counsel of their choice throughout the trial, and the withdrawal of the previous counsel was voluntary and amicable.
It held that attempts to defer judgement could undermine the course of justice and amount to abuse of the court process, exposing the justice system to public ridicule.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Joyce Danso