‘I Had Every Right to Leave’ – Atta Akyea on Courtroom Walkout

Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director Kwabena Adu-Boahene, has defended his decision to walk out of an Accra High Court sitting on Thursday, October 23, after his request for an adjournment was rejected by the presiding judge, Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei.

Speaking to journalists after the incident, Mr. Atta Akyea explained that his legal team had filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to prohibit Justice Nyantei from continuing with the case, on grounds of alleged bias. He argued that the High Court should have suspended proceedings until the Supreme Court delivered a ruling.

“I had filed a motion at the Supreme Court asking that the judge be prohibited from handling the matter because we do not believe justice will be served. I informed the court and requested an adjournment until the Supreme Court decides. The judge declined and insisted on proceeding,” he said.

The former Works and Housing Minister questioned what he described as undue haste in pushing the trial forward.

“Why the rush? Why can’t the judge wait for a week for the Supreme Court’s decision before continuing?” he asked.

During the hearing, Principal State Attorney Esi Dentaa Yankah opposed the adjournment request, arguing that there was no legal basis to halt the proceedings. Justice Nyantei subsequently ruled that the trial would continue, and allowed the second prosecution witness to take the stand despite the absence of the defence team.

The matter now hinges on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the motion to bar the judge.

Mr. Adu-Boahene, his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, and two others are standing trial on multiple charges, including theft, money laundering amounting to approximately GH¢49.1 million, causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office. A third accused person, Mildred Donkor, has since become a state witness after charges against her were withdrawn.