By Vivian Amoah
The Office of the Attorney General has filed a strong opposition to an application seeking to postpone judgment in the criminal case involving Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over alleged illegal mining activities in Samreboi.
The application to defer judgment was filed by Chairman Wontumi’s newly appointed lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, who recently took over his legal representation in the matter.
However, the Attorney General’s Office has urged the court to reject the request, arguing that there are no legal grounds to justify delaying the delivery of judgment.
In a 13-paragraph affidavit filed on Thursday, June 25, Senior State Attorney Nana Ama Prempeh maintained that the application is without merit and should be dismissed to allow the case to proceed as scheduled.
The Attorney General’s Office insists that granting the application would unnecessarily delay the administration of justice and has therefore asked the court to continue with the proceedings.
Chairman Wontumi is standing trial over allegations of engaging in illegal mining activities in Samreboi. The case forms part of the government’s efforts to prosecute individuals accused of violating the country’s mining laws and combat the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.
The court is expected to consider the application before determining whether judgment should proceed or be deferred.
