Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appointed former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament and lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead counsel in the ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining.
The appointment follows the decision by his former lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, to withdraw from the case.
The development comes after the High Court on Monday, June 15, dismissed an application by Mr. Appiah-Kubi seeking to withdraw as counsel for Chairman Wontumi.
Delivering its ruling, the court held that the application lacked legal authority and was unsupported by any judicial precedent. The court further noted that the application had not been served on the client, describing the omission as a fundamental procedural defect.
In a statement issued after the ruling, Chairman Wontumi said his decision to appoint Mr. Atta Akyea was made after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.
“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 appreciation to his former legal team for their dedication and professional service, stressing that the change in representation 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.
According to Chairman Wontumi, his new legal team will take the necessary steps to assume responsibility for his defence, review the record of proceedings, and make any submissions or applications required to protect 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.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi had earlier announced his decision to withdraw from the case, citing concerns over the conduct of the proceedings and the court’s handling of the matter.
According to the former lawmaker, he was dissatisfied with what he described as the court’s attitude, record and determination in managing the case.
Despite the change in legal representation, Chairman Wontumi reaffirmed his confidence in the judicial process and urged the public to allow the legal proceedings to continue without speculation or prejudice.
The case, which centres on allegations involving Akonta Mining, continues to attract significant public and political interest.
