The Attorney-General has thrown a legal spanner in the works of defence lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi's attempt to walk away from the criminal case involving Ashanti Region NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi.

In a preliminary objection filed on June 12, 2026, the state is asking the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra to block Appiah-Kubi's motion for leave to withdraw from representing the accused persons in the case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited and Kwame Antwi.

The objection, signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, raises two main grounds: jurisdiction and capacity/standing. The state argues that the issues Appiah-Kubi raised in his withdrawal application go beyond simple procedural matters and must be resolved by the court first.

"The Republic shall, on the grounds stated herein, raise a preliminary legal objection to the motion on notice for leave to withdraw legal services dated June 9, 2026," the notice read.

Appiah-Kubi announced his decision to step down on June 11 during an interview on Eyewitness News. He said he was "totally disappointed" with how the court had handled the proceedings.

"My disappointment is in the attitude, record, and determination of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I'm so totally disappointed that is why I am withdrawing," he said.

The Attorney-General's office has served the objection on the Registrar of the High Court and copied the accused persons and Appiah-Kubi & Associates (Nhyira Chambers) in North Ridge.

Who is Chairman Wontumi?

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. He's been a key political figure in the party's stronghold region for years. His nickname 'Wontumi' — meaning 'you don't know me' in Twi — reflects a brash political style that's made him both popular and controversial.

What is the Akonta Mining case?

The case involves Akonta Mining Company Limited and Kwame Antwi, alongside Chairman Wontumi and others. Details of the charges haven't been fully disclosed in public, but the matter is being heard at the High Court's Criminal Division. The case has drawn significant attention because of Wontumi's political stature.

What happens next?

The court must now rule on the Attorney-General's preliminary objection before it can even consider Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal application. If the state wins, the defence lawyer may be forced to continue representing the accused — at least for now. If the court dismisses the objection, the withdrawal motion will proceed.

Either way, the legal battle isn't over. The case remains before the High Court, and the judge will set a date for arguments on the objection.