adverts
Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, the embattled CEO of the defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, has requested additional time from the Accra High Court to secure new legal representation amidst an ongoing trial involving 37 charges, including defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa, had on July 11, 2024, dismissed NAM1’s submission of no case to answer and ordered him and his companies—Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult—to open their defence. Subsequent delays have frustrated the court’s efforts to advance the trial, with NAM1 missing deadlines to file witness statements.
Appearing without legal counsel on Tuesday, December 17, NAM1 cited irreconcilable differences with his lawyer, Kwame Boafo Akuffo, as the reason for the absence of his legal team.
adverts
“My lawyer and I have a difference—one that is so fundamental to the extent that it places a point of divergence for us,” NAM1 told the court. He pleaded for “reasonable time” to find and engage new legal counsel, emphasising his intent to prove his innocence.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs. Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa, opposed the request, characterising it as another delay tactic. She noted that NAM1’s counsel had filed an application for a stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal earlier that day, undermining NAM1’s claim of lawyer-client discord.
“The said application was signed by his counsel, Kwame Boafo Akuffo. This suggests that the accused persons are still represented by him as of this morning,” the DPP argued.
Highlighting previous instances of non-compliance, she pointed out:
- On July 11, 2024, the court dismissed the submission of no case and ordered the defence to open.
- On October 16, 2024, the accused missed the deadline to file witness statements.
- On October 29, 2024, the case was adjourned to grant additional time, yet no progress was made.
The DPP characterised the delays as deliberate, asserting that the accused had repeatedly failed to comply with the court’s orders.
Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa expressed concern over the persistent delays and emphasised the importance of adhering to the court’s orders. While he acknowledged NAM1’s right to legal representation, the court is under pressure to balance this against the need to avoid unnecessary delays.
NAM1, along with Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult, faces charges stemming from the collapse of Menzgold in 2018. The company, which promised high returns on gold investments, left thousands of customers financially stranded when it shut down amid regulatory scrutiny.
The trial has been closely watched, with the outcome bearing significant implications for NAM1 and the affected customers.
The court is expected to rule on NAM1’s request for additional time in the coming days. Meanwhile, the prosecution has urged the court to proceed without further delay to ensure justice is served.
