Menzgold CEO NAM1 requests more time to find new lawyers amid trial delays

Menzgold CEO, Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM1), has appealed to the High Court for additional time to engage new legal counsel, citing a fundamental disagreement with his current legal team. NAM1, who is facing 37 charges alongside his companies, Menzgold Ghana Limited and Brew Marketing Consult, requested during a court appearance on 17th December, 2024.

Appearing before the court without his lawyers, led by Kwame Boafo Akuffo, NAM1 explained that the rift between him and his legal team was significant enough to warrant the need for new representation. He requested a reasonable period to scout and engage new counsel to continue his defense, emphasizing his desire to affirm his innocence.

However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Yvonne Attakora Obuobisa, opposed NAM1’s request. The DPP reminded the court that NAM1 and his companies had been given several opportunities to comply with court orders, including filing witness statements, which they had failed to do by the stipulated deadlines. The DPP argued that NAM1’s actions seemed designed to delay the trial further, pointing to the motion for a Stay of Proceedings filed in the Court of Appeal on 17th December.

Despite the DPP’s objections, the court, led by Justice Ernest Owusu Dapaa, acknowledged the ongoing appeal and decided to adjourn the case. The matter will be adjourned to 5th February, 2025, pending the Court of Appeal’s resolution of the outstanding motion.

Nana Appiah Mensah, also known as NAM1, was arrested in Dubai in 2018 after his company, Menzgold, was accused of defrauding investors. He was extradited to Ghana in 2019, where he faced charges of defrauding the public, money laundering and operating without a license. NAM1 denied all charges, asserting that the company’s business model was legitimate.

By: Linda Akite