The Kwabena Adu-Boahen cross examination of a prosecution witness could continue without his lawyer if counsel fails to appear at the next court sitting, Justice Francis Achibonga has warned.
The Presiding Judge gave the directive after lead defence counsel Samuel Atta Akyea was absent from court on Tuesday, August 11, during the ongoing trial involving Mr Adu-Boahen and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng.
Judge gives defence breathing room
Mr Atta Akyea had informed the Chief Justice that he could not attend the proceedings because of prior commitments made for the legal vacation.
He said the Chief Justice’s decision to authorise the trial judge to continue the substantive case during the legal vacation had disrupted those arrangements.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai and the prosecution team were present. The accused persons were also in court, but Mr Atta Akyea and the rest of the defence lawyers were absent.
When Justice Achibonga asked about the lawyers, Mr Adu-Boahen said he had been unable to reach some members of the team and was uncertain whether Mr Atta Akyea was even within the jurisdiction.
Court warns of next step
Justice Achibonga acknowledged the correspondence sent to the Chief Justice but made it clear that the letters did not suspend the proceedings.
He nevertheless adjourned the case to give the accused persons an opportunity to resolve the issue with their lawyers.
The judge warned that the position could change at the next sitting.
If Mr Adu-Boahen and his wife appear without legal representation, the court may require them to continue the cross examination of Prosecution Witness 4 themselves.
Justice Achibonga further cautioned that failure to proceed with the cross examination would result in the witness’s testimony being closed.
The case has consequently been adjourned to August 17, 2026.
The development puts the defence team under pressure to resolve its representation issues before the next hearing, with the court signalling that the absence of counsel will not indefinitely halt proceedings.
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