The High Court has dismissed an application by prominent lawyer and Member of Parliament, Andy Appiah-Kubi, seeking to withdraw as legal counsel for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Delivering its ruling on Monday, 15th June 2026, the court held that the application lacked merit, noting it was unsupported by legal authority or judicial precedent.
Crucially, the court highlighted a fundamental procedural flaw: the application had not been served on the client.
According to the presiding judge, issues regarding legal representation in criminal proceedings are strictly between a lawyer and their client and must align strictly with established statutory procedures.
With this ruling, Appiah-Kubi remains the counsel of record for Chairman Wontumi as the high-stakes criminal trial moves toward its conclusion.
Dissatisfaction with the Bench
The court’s decision follows Appiah-Kubi’s public declaration of his intent to walk away from the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.
The lawmaker and veteran legal practitioner had cited deep concerns over the conduct of the trial, expressing explicit dissatisfaction with how the court has managed the matter.
Appiah-Kubi had previously indicated discomfort with several interlocutory decisions and determinations made from the bench during recent sessions.
However, the court maintained that personal dissatisfaction does not bypass procedural compliance, ruling that the motion failed to meet the rigorous legal benchmarks required for a formal withdrawal.
Strict Timeline Set for Judgment
Refusing to let the representation dispute derail the trial, the court firmly maintained its active timetable.
The judge directed both the prosecution and the defence to file their final written addresses by 24th June 2026.
The court has tentatively scheduled judgment for 3rd July 2026.
The substantive case will now proceed as scheduled.
Barring any subsequent, procedurally compliant application, Appiah-Kubi will be required to see the defence through to its final verdict.