Adu Boahene trial: Atta Akyea justifies courtroom walkout

Lead counsel for former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director, Kwabena Adu Boahene, Samuel Atta Akyea, has defended his decision to stage a walkout from the Accra High Court on Thursday, October 23, after the trial judge declined a request for an adjournment.

Addressing journalists shortly after the dramatic scene, Mr. Atta Akyea confirmed that his legal team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to stop Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei from continuing with the trial, citing alleged bias.

According to him, it was only reasonable for proceedings to be halted pending the Supreme Court’s ruling on their application.

“I had filed a prohibition motion in the Supreme Court, saying that we’re not comfortable that this judge would give us justice. I brought it to the attention of the judge. I also asked that the case be adjourned while we await the Supreme Court’s decision. The judge said he won’t grant us the adjournment and that he will continue the case,” he argued.

The former Works and Housing Minister accused the judge of unnecessarily rushing the trial.

“Ask why the judge is in an ambulance mood to continue the case and cannot wait for the Supreme Court for one week,” he remarked.

Earlier in court, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah strongly opposed the adjournment, stressing that there was no legal basis to halt proceedings and noting what she said was a pattern of delay tactics from the defence.

Despite the walkout, Justice Nyantei ordered the continuation of the trial, allowing the second prosecution witness to take the stand.

The case is now expected to pivot around the Supreme Court’s decision on the prohibition request.

Mr. Adu Boahene, his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, and two others face several charges including stealing, money laundering involving an alleged GH¢49.1 million, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office.

The third accused, Mildred Donkor, has been turned into a prosecution witness after charges against her were withdrawn by the Attorney-General.