The Accra High Court has permitted Samuel Atta Akyea to review and familiarize himself with the illegal mining case involving Wontumi’s Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, following his appointment as the new counsel.
On Friday, July 31, the private legal practitioner formally presented himself to the presiding judge as the successor to Andy Appiah Kubi.
Akonta Mining Company, along with Chairman Wontumi and two other individuals, faces charges of illegal mining within a forest reserve, facilitating unlawful mining activities, and constructing mining structures in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve located in the Western Region.
They have entered a plea of not guilty and are currently out on bail, while the third and fourth accused individuals remain at large.
During the proceedings, Samuel Atta Akyea informed the trial judge of his role as the new substantive counsel for Wontumi, succeeding Andy Appiah Kubi, who has withdrawn from the case.
He requested an adjournment to evaluate the case’s progress and to become acquainted with the ongoing proceedings.
Justice Ruby Aryeetey acknowledged that Andy Appiah Kubi had utilized four of the six hours designated for the defense to cross-examine the prosecution’s third witness, the investigator.
However, she also indicated that the defense could seek additional time after reviewing the proceedings.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman made his second appearance in the criminal division regarding his case after commencing a 20-year prison sentence.
The case has been adjourned to August 18 for mention, with the substantive hearing scheduled for October 16 to continue the cross-examination of the prosecution’s third witness.
