Samuel Atta Akyea, the new counsel for Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has explained the decision to represent his new client.
Atta Akyea highlighted that he decided to ensure that Wontumi was not left without legal representation at a critical stage of his criminal case.
According to Atta Akyea, the case is highly sensitive and adding that allowing an accused person to face proceedings without counsel would not serve the interests of justice.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, June 15, Atta Akyea explained, “I think that this case is very sensitive. For him not to have legal representation at this stage will not sit well with the criminal justice delivery system”.
“Andy had indicated to my latest client that he wanted to exit the case, so he was not fired. It was his voluntary announcement to Wontumi that, for some considerations, he did not see himself continuing with the case,” Atta Akyea explained.
“It is too sensitive a stage for him to be abandoned, and I can say that was one of the considerations that made me elect to help him,” he said.
Atta Akyea also added that defence lawyers are expected to marshal the evidence and present written submissions aimed at proving that the prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The strength of the written submission, if it is based on evidence and law, can be good enough to secure an acquittal. Most lawyers will agree with me that that is how it works,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi has also explained his decision to appoint 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”.
The High Court has dismissed the motion for leave filed by lawyer Appiah Kubi in the Chairman Wontumi Samreboi case.#GHNow pic.twitter.com/pSqscK4ltI
— GHnow (@ghnow_) June 15, 2026
