Accra: Private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has urged the legal team representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to file a petition with the Chief Justice. Ampaw's call comes in response to comments made by a trial judge addressing delays in the ongoing trial involving Chairman Wontumi and his associates.
According to Ghana Web, Ampaw expressed concern over the judge's remarks, suggesting they indicate pressure to expedite the case due to public discourse surrounding the trial. In an interview with GhanaWeb's Mandy Agyemang, Ampaw stated, "Chairman Wontumi and his lawyers must petition the Chief Justice for this statement. There should be a petition to the Chief Justice that they are not comfortable with the statement that the judge made in open court."
Ampaw stressed that judges should focus solely on the evidence presented and not be swayed by public opinion. He questioned the judge's decision to blame Wontumi's lawyers for the delay, arguing that it could undermine public confidence in the judicial process. "It is going to affect public confidence in the trial," he warned, adding that the Chief Justice should intervene to ensure the judge remains impartial.
The High Court's Criminal Court 4 is currently handling the trial related to alleged illegal mining activities connected to a concession in Samreboi. According to a previous report by GhanaWeb, the prosecution alleges that mining operations took place without the necessary authorisation, breaching Ghana's mining laws. During the proceedings, a dispute arose between the defense and the court over scheduling, leading to a firm response from the presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay.
Justice Kocuvie-Tay expressed her frustration with the defense's resistance to proposed dates, emphasizing the need to progress with the case. The judge also addressed public criticism over the slow pace of similar cases, urging the defense to acknowledge their role in any delays.