Accra: Lawyers representing key figures from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, and former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Hanan Abdul-Wahab, have objected to a directive by the Chief Justice to proceed with their clients' criminal trials during the legal vacation.
According to Ghana Web, the legal representatives have filed petitions to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, contending that the continuation of the trials during the mandated break for lawyers and judges is discriminatory. They pointed out that while other cases have been paused, the trials involving these former NPP government appointees are still ongoing.
Godfred Yaboah Dame, representing Abdul-Wahab, argued in his petition that the proper protocol for resuming the trial during the legal vacation was ignored. He stated that a motion should have been filed, and all parties involved should have been consulted before proceeding with the trial. Dame emphasized that legal vacation courts are traditionally convened for motions only, and continuing a trial without the parties' consent is irregular and contrary to law.
Dame further argued that the trial lacks urgency, noting that the accused were arraigned on May 5, 2026, after previous charges were withdrawn. He also highlighted the need for lawyers to rest and attend to personal matters after a year of continuous work.
Similarly, Samuel Atta Akyea, representing Wontumi, stressed the importance of the legal vacation for rest and recuperation. He mentioned that the directive disrupts personal and professional plans for the lawyers at his firm, Zoe, Akyea and Co. Akyea argued that the order should be reversed as it suggests selective justice by the courts, given that numerous other cases have been adjourned to allow for the vacation.
Both lawyers underscored that the continuation of trials during the legal vacation could undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary, urging the Chief Justice to reconsider the directive.