Mildred Donkor, the third accused in the GHC49 million theft case involving former National Signals Bureau boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei-Boateng, has dismissed her lawyer in open court, moments before the prosecution was set to call its first witness.
Donkor, described in court as an associate of Adu-Boahene, stood during proceedings and announced her decision to change counsel.
“I wish to take a separate lawyer, please,” she told the court.
Her then-lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, did not object, confirming the development to the presiding judge.
“I’m no longer representing her. She has expressed her wish that she wants to change me. The records should reflect that,” he said.
The development came shortly after Mr. Atta Akyea had urged the court to address several pending motions, including a notice of appeal related to alleged exculpatory evidence and a motion to stay proceedings. He argued that continuing the trial without addressing these matters could jeopardise the accused’s right to a fair trial.
“My Lord, the freedoms and liberties of fellow Ghanaians are at stake. The justice of the case is not at the pleasure of the Attorney General,” he said.
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai opposed the request for a stay of proceedings, insisting that under the Constitution, such motions do not automatically halt a trial.
“The Constitution commands a speedy trial,” he noted, urging the court to proceed with the first witness.
Presiding judge Justice John Nyadu Nyante affirmed Donkor’s constitutional right to legal representation of her choice under Article 19(2)(f). He ruled that she would be considered as representing herself until a new lawyer is appointed.
“When it is her turn for cross-examination and the court is of the opinion that she requires counsel, proceedings will be adjourned to allow her to obtain representation,” the judge said.
Despite the disruption, the prosecution proceeded to call its first witness, Frank Anane Dekpey, a driver. He testified that for over five years, he routinely picked up sealed cheques from Donkor and withdrew large sums of money, which he delivered to Adu-Boahene. The cash, often packed in “Ghana Must Go” bags, was collected from banks such as UMB (Labone Junction) and Stanbic Bank (Airport branch), and typically deposited into accounts held by a company named “Perfect Solutions.”
Under cross-examination, Dekpey admitted he had no knowledge of national security matters and considered himself only an errand runner. He also disclosed that he was detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for seven days and later released on bail with sureties amounting to GH₵60 million.
The court adjourned the case to Thursday, July 25, at 9:00 a.m., to allow Mildred Donkor time to secure new legal representation.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
