Chairman Wontumi Officially Notifies Court of Appointment of Samuel Atta Akyea as New Lead Lawyer

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, has formally informed the court that he has selected Samuel Atta Akyea as his new Lead Defence Counsel in the criminal case currently before the High Court.

According to Wontumi, the decision was reached after thorough consultations and is in line with his constitutional right to choose legal representation of his preference.

His announcement follows a ruling by the High Court's Criminal Division in Accra on June 15, 2026, which rejected an application by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi seeking permission to withdraw from representing Wontumi and another accused person in a case linked to alleged illegal mining activities in Samreboi.

In its ruling, the court stated that the request to withdraw lacked legal backing from either established court rules or judicial precedent. The judge explained that in criminal proceedings, a lawyer does not need the court's approval to end legal representation, as such matters are primarily between counsel and client.

The court also observed that the withdrawal application had not been served on the client, describing this omission as a significant procedural defect.

Following the ruling, Wontumi issued a statement explaining that the appointment of Atta Akyea was intended to strengthen his legal defence and ensure that his case is handled comprehensively and in accordance with the law.

He emphasized that although the charges against him are serious, he remains committed to defending himself through lawful procedures. He also reaffirmed his constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty and noted that the prosecution bears the responsibility of proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Wontumi expressed gratitude to his former legal team for their dedication and services, stressing that the change in representation should not be interpreted as criticism of their professionalism or competence. He described the move as a legitimate exercise of his right to determine the composition of his defence team.

He further stated that his new lawyer would take over responsibility for the case, review all relevant records, and make any necessary legal submissions to protect his right to a fair hearing.

Concluding his statement, Wontumi expressed confidence in Ghana's judicial system and called on the public and all parties involved to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice.