The Attorney-General’s Office has denied an appeal to defer judgement in the criminal prosecution of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, over charges of illegal mining in Samreboi.
Samuel Atta Akyea, the accused’s new legal counsel, filed the application after taking over the defence lately.
In response, the Attorney-General’s Office filed an affidavit requesting the court to deny the request and enable the matter to move to judgement without further delay.
The document, submitted by Senior State Attorney Nana Ama Prempeh, contends that the motion is without substance and that Chairman Wontumi had legal assistance during the trial.
According to the prosecution, the accused’s former lawyer’s withdrawal was voluntary and does not provide adequate grounds to postpone the delivery of judgement.
The State further questioned the defence’s conduct, arguing that Mr. Atta Akyea’s decision to seek court records directly from the registry rather than from the former legal team was not in good faith.
As a result, the Attorney-General’s Office has requested that the court dismiss the application and proceed with the hearings as scheduled.
Source: newsthemegh.com