Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, has announced he has appointed lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as his new Lead Defence Counsel.
According to Wontumi, the decision to appoint a new counsel was taken after careful consultation and in the exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.
In a statement making rounds on social media, Wontumi stated, “I, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), wish to respectfully inform the Court, the parties, and the general public that I have decided to appoint Hon. Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as my new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against me.
This decision has been taken after careful consultation and in the exercise of my constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of my own choosing. It is intended to ensure that my defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law.
I express my sincere appreciation to my previous legal team for their services and commitment throughout these proceedings. My decision should not be construed as a reflection on their competence or dedication but rather as an exercise of my legal right to determine the composition of my defence team.
The charges before the Court are serious, and I remain firmly committed to defending myself through the due process of law. As with every accused person, I am entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law, and the burden rests on the prosecution to establish every element of the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt.
Accordingly, my newly appointed counsel will take the necessary lawful steps to assume responsibility for my defence, review the record of proceedings, and make all submissions and applications that may be necessary to safeguard my constitutional right to a fair hearing.
I have full confidence that the judicial process will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana, and the principles of justice and fairness.
I therefore respectfully request that all parties and the public allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice while my defence is conducted in accordance with the law”.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court has thrown out an application by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi seeking leave to withdraw his legal representation in the ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited and Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Reports suggest the court upheld a preliminary objection filed by the Attorney-General, ruling that the application was incompetent and had no legal requirement for counsel to seek the court’s permission before withdrawing legal services.
According to the Attorney-General, the motion raised no issues warranting judicial determination and should therefore not be entertained.
The court, in its ruling, sustained the State’s objection and struck out the application.
It further directed that the filing of closing addresses by parties in the matter remains optional.
The Accra High Court subsequently extended the deadline for the submission of any closing addresses to June 23, 2026, with the case adjourned to July 3, 2026, for judgment.
See the post below:
STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEAD COUNSEL
— GHnow (@ghnow_) June 15, 2026
I, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), wish to respectfully inform the Court, the parties, and the general public that I have decided to appoint Hon. Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as my new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing…
