Samuel Atta Akyea has filed an application before the High Court asking for a postponement of judgment in the Samreboi mining case involving New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and another accused person.
The application was filed before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, requesting that the judgment scheduled for July 3, 2026, be delayed to allow the newly appointed lawyer enough time to study the case and prepare written submissions.
Atta Akyea explained that he was recently engaged to represent the accused persons after their previous lawyer withdrew from the case at a late stage of the proceedings.
In an affidavit supporting the application, he said the trial had already reached its final stages when the earlier lawyer stopped acting for the accused, leaving them without legal representation during the period leading to judgment.
The lawyer noted that the defence closed its case on June 3, 2026, after which the court set July 3 for judgment.
He argued that written submissions are an important part of criminal trials because they allow lawyers to highlight key legal and factual issues that may assist the court in reaching its decision.
Atta Akyea said he immediately filed a notice of appearance after taking over the case and requested certified copies of the court records and documents filed throughout the proceedings.
However, he told the court that the documents had not yet been provided, making it difficult for him to properly review the evidence and prepare arguments.
He argued that the accused persons face serious charges and that the outcome could affect their freedom, reputation, and rights. He therefore stressed the need for effective legal representation before judgment is delivered.
The lawyer also referred to Article 19 of Ghana’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing, saying this includes access to proper legal representation at every stage of a criminal case.
Atta Akyea maintained that the request was not meant to delay justice but to ensure he could properly represent his clients.
He is asking the court to grant additional time for him to receive the full record, study the case, and file written submissions before judgment.
The court is expected to decide whether the request meets the requirements for delaying the judgment date.
