Embattled businessman and CEO of the now-defunct Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM 1, has requested more time from the court to find new legal representation for his ongoing trial. NAM 1 is facing 37 counts of charges related to his businesses, Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult, and had been instructed by the High Court on July 11, 2024, to open his defense.
On the set date of July 11, NAM 1 filed a plea for a stay of proceedings, awaiting an appeal against the High Court’s earlier judgment. The request was made after charges were brought against both Menzgold and Brew Marketing Consult. However, the High Court denied his request for a stay of proceedings on December 5, reiterating the directive for him to begin his defense as per the court’s original order.
When the trial resumed on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, NAM 1 and his two accused companies were notably absent from the courtroom with their legal team, led by lawyer Kwame Boafo Akuffo. The absence prompted the court to inquire about the whereabouts of NAM 1’s lawyers. In response, NAM 1 took the opportunity to address the court directly, explaining the reason for his legal team’s absence.
I am unable to proceed with my defense today because my lawyer and I have a fundamental disagreement, NAM 1 stated in his opening remarks. This disagreement is significant enough to create a divergence in the approach we wish to take in representing ourselves and my companies, he elaborated.
He further explained that the dispute with his legal team concerned the direction they wanted to take with the defense of the accused parties. This difference of opinion had reached a point where it was no longer feasible for them to continue their professional relationship. As a result, NAM 1 requested additional time to secure new legal counsel who could represent him and his companies moving forward.
The court, understanding the seriousness of the situation, took the plea into consideration. While it remains to be seen how the court will respond to NAM 1's request, the delay underscores the ongoing challenges facing the businessman in his legal battles. The case continues to draw public attention due to the high-profile nature of the charges and the controversies surrounding Menzgold’s collapse, which led to widespread financial losses for many Ghanaians.
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