The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has replaced his lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi with former MP for Abuakwa South Samuel Atta Akyea as his new lead counsel in the ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining.
The move comes on the back withdrawal by Mr. Appiah-Kubi citing unfair treatment from the trial judge.
On Monday, June 15, 2026, the High Court dismissed an application filed by Appiah-Kubi seeking leave to withdraw as counsel for Chairman Wontumi. In its ruling, the court held that the application lacked legal basis and was unsupported by any judicial authority or precedent. The court further noted that the application had not been served on the client, describing the omission as a fundamental procedural flaw.
In a subsequent statement, Chairman Wontumi explained that the appointment of Atta Akyea followed extensive consultations and was made in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his choice.
“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,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to his previous legal team for their service and dedication, stressing that the change should not be interpreted as a reflection on their competence.
“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,” he added.
Chairman Wontumi said his new legal team would take the necessary steps to assume responsibility for his defence, review the record of proceedings, and file any applications required to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
“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,” he said.
Samuel Atta Akyea has indicated his decision to arrest the upcoming judgment in the Samreboi illegal mining case scheduled for July 3, 2026
