Lawyer and former Asante Akyem North MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has indicated that he will proceed to file a formal notice of withdrawal from representing Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, after the Accra High Court dismissed his application seeking leave to step aside from the case.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Appiah-Kubi said his next step is to regularise his exit from the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited over alleged illegal mining activities in Samreboi.
“My next step is to file a notice of withdrawal to take myself out of the case,” he stated.
The court, Criminal Court 4, had earlier dismissed his motion, ruling that it was not supported by any established rule of court or legal authority.
It further held that in criminal proceedings, counsel may withdraw representation without necessarily seeking the court’s permission, as the matter primarily lies between a lawyer and client.
Following the ruling, Appiah-Kubi maintained that he would comply with the appropriate procedure by formally notifying the court and his client of his decision to exit the case.
He also reflected on broader legal arguments surrounding the case, stressing that outcomes in such matters ultimately rest on the evidence presented before the court.
“There are two possible outcomes from this ruling based on the evidence available, and it is either disgrace or glory,” he said, adding that “whoever makes a decision in this case based on the evidence available will either face glory or disgrace.”
He further referenced legal precedent, pointing to a Supreme Court position he believes supports his decision to properly withdraw.
“The Supreme Court, during its ruling involving the Attorney General and Justice Torkornoo, stated that a lawyer’s letter informing the court of a decision to withdraw was incompetent. The Supreme Court did not say the ruling applied only to civil trials; it referred to withdrawal generally. That is why I filed a motion to properly withdraw my services,” he explained.
Appiah-Kubi added that once the formal notice is filed, he will fully disengage from the matter.
“My next step is to officially serve notice of withdrawal and remove myself from the case. The court said the procedure through which I sought to withdraw is unknown to criminal jurisprudence, and I agree,” he said.
The development comes as proceedings continue in the high-profile case involving Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited.
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Source: Adomonline.com
