By Francis Kobena Tandoh
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appointed Samuel Atta Akyea as his lead defence counsel, according to a statement on Monday.
According to the statement, the decision has been taken after careful consultation and to ensure that his defence in the ongoing cases against him is presented fully and effectively.
“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,” read the statement.
“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,” the statement added.
This comes after the lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, publicly announced his decision to withdraw from representing Chairman Wontumi in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.
The lawyer cited concerns about the conduct of proceedings and expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as the court’s handling of the matter.
He indicated that he was unhappy with aspects of the court’s management of the case, including certain decisions and determinations made during the proceedings.
Chairman Wontumi is fighting three separate criminal cases at the High Court in Accra. Two concerns are alleged illegal mining and the third, filed in May 2026, accuses him of defrauding the state-owned Ghana Export-Import Bank. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the full statement as issued by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party below;
STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEAD COUNSEL
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.
Bernard Antwi Boasiak
(Chairman Wontumi)
