Andy Appiah Kubi, lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Wontumi, has described comments by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai as prejudicial and unfortunate after the latter prayed the court to convict his client.
Earlier, the defense lawyers had informed the court of their inability to file the names of witnesses to be relied on after the court ordered them to file their defense if they were so minded.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman and his company, Akonta Mining, are facing six counts of allegedly permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the Lands Minister, as well as facilitating unlicensed mining activities.
The High Court in March ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused persons and directed them to file their witness statements, should they intend to do so, on or before April 14, 2026.
However, when the case was called on Monday, the defence lawyers notified the court of their decision to challenge the high court’s orders at the Court of Appeal, thereby failing to comply with the orders requiring them to file their defence.
The lawyers further noted that a repeat stay of proceedings motion had been filed at the court of appeal after the high court dismissed a similar motion, and prayed the court to adjourn the proceedings pending the outcome of their applications.
But Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Stem Sai opposed the prayer, adding that the defence was simply delaying the trial and urged the court to convict the accused persons.
“When the motion was dismissed, the applicant was again ordered to file by Feb 14 if they were so minded to do so. Again, the applicant has refused to file. Clearly, the applicant has shown that they don’t intend to file the witness statement, nor have they offered an explanation why this office should not continue with the case.
Our prayer is that, having refused to file a defense or call a witness, there’s only one path, which is to convict. We therefore pray to proceed to convict. We pray that this court convicts the accused persons,” Dr Justice Srem Sai submitted.
Presiding judge Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, after listening to both counsel, indicated that due process must be complied with despite the applications before the court of appeal. She then ordered the defence to file their defence by May 5.
Responding to the comments by the Deputy Attorney-General, the lead counsel for Wontumi condemned Dr Srem-Sai.
“It’s very unfortunate for the Attorney-General to have asked the court to convict the accused persons, especially coming from someone who doubles as the Minister for Justice. He forgets that the justice system makes the Attorney-General the Minister of Justice.
It’s unbecoming of an Attorney-General who is in a hurry to see conviction of somebody in a criminal trial.”
By Laud Adu-Asare
