Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced the appointment of former Member of Parliament and lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
In a statement issued on Monday, Wontumi said the decision was reached after careful consultation and was in line with his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.
According to him, the appointment is intended to ensure that his defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law as the case progresses through the courts.
“I have decided to appoint Hon. Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as my new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against me,” the statement said.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their services and commitment throughout the proceedings.
He emphasised that the change should not be interpreted as a reflection on their competence or dedication but rather as an exercise of his legal right to determine the composition of his defence team.
Wontumi reiterated that the charges before the court are serious and affirmed his commitment to defending himself through the due process of law. He also stressed the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
“The burden rests on the prosecution to establish every element of the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt,” he noted.
Under the new arrangement, Atta Akyea is expected to take the necessary legal steps to formally assume responsibility for the defence, review the record of proceedings, and make submissions and applications deemed necessary to protect Wontumi’s right to a fair hearing.
The businessman and political figure further expressed confidence in Ghana’s judicial system, stating that he believes the process will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana, and the principles of justice and fairness.
He also appealed to all parties and members of the public to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice while his defence is conducted in accordance with the law.
The appointment marks a significant development in the ongoing case, with attention now turning to the role Atta Akyea will play in leading Wontumi’s legal defence as proceedings continue.
Andy Appiah-Kubi withdraws
This comes after the lawyer for Wontumi formally withdrawn from representing his client in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.
Andy Appiah-Kubi announced on Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday, June 11, 2026, stating that his decision was driven by concerns over how the court has managed the proceedings.
He said his withdrawal was influenced by what he described as deep disappointment with the conduct, record, and determinations of the court throughout the case.
“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion. My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determinations of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed that is why I am withdrawing,” he stated.
Appiah-Kubi also rejected suggestions that his decision is linked to ongoing plea bargaining discussions involving Chairman Wontumi in the EXIM Bank alleged fraud case, insisting that the two matters are separate and should not be conflated.
He emphasised that his withdrawal applies only to the Akonta Mining prosecution and not to other legal matters involving his client.
Despite stepping away from the Akonta Mining case, he confirmed that he will continue to represent Chairman Wontumi in other ongoing cases, including the EXIM Bank matter.
Wontumi, together with Kwame Anto and Akonta Mining Company Limited, his mining firm, has been charged for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
He has been charged with facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, while his co-director, Kwame Antwi, is facing a charge of assigning mineral rights without approval.
