By Daniel Bampoe
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced a major shake-up in his legal representation, appointing former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament and seasoned legal practitioner, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead defence counsel in the criminal cases currently before the courts.
The announcement comes at a critical stage of Wontumi’s legal battles, particularly the high-profile Samreboi illegal mining case, where proceedings have reached the final stages and the court is expected to determine the next direction of the matter following recent legal developments surrounding his former counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi.
In a formal statement, Chairman Wontumi said the decision to appoint Atta Akyea followed careful consultations and was made in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.
According to him, the move is intended to ensure that his defence is fully presented and that all legal avenues available under Ghana’s laws are properly pursued in the interest of justice and fairness.
“I have decided to appoint Hon. Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as my new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against me,” Wontumi stated.
He emphasized that the decision should not be interpreted as a criticism of his previous legal team, whom he praised for their professionalism and dedication throughout the proceedings.
“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,” he said.
Change Comes Amid Courtroom Developments
The appointment follows recent courtroom drama after Andy Appiah-Kubi filed an application seeking leave to withdraw as counsel for Wontumi in the Samreboi mining case.
The Accra High Court subsequently dismissed that application, ruling that a lawyer in a criminal matter does not require the court’s permission to withdraw representation.
The court held that counsel may simply file the necessary notice at the registry and serve it on the affected client.
That ruling left uncertainty regarding who would ultimately lead Wontumi’s defence during the final stages of the proceedings.
The appointment of Atta Akyea now appears to settle that question, positioning the experienced lawyer to take over responsibility for the defence strategy in both the mining-related proceedings and other ongoing criminal matters involving the NPP regional chairman.
Background
Chairman Wontumi is currently facing multiple legal challenges.
In one case, he and Akonta Mining Company Limited have been standing trial over allegations that unauthorized mining activities were permitted on a concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the approvals required under the mining laws.
The Attorney-General alleges that individuals, including Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi, conducted mining activities on the concession without ministerial authorization. Wontumi has denied all wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has attracted national attention due to its links to Ghana’s long-running fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and because of Wontumi’s influential position within the NPP.
In a separate matter, Wontumi and Wontumi Farms Limited are facing charges connected to an alleged multi-million-cedi loan facility obtained from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). Prosecutors have accused the company and its officials of offences including defrauding by false pretences, forgery, money laundering and causing financial loss to a public institution.
Wontumi has also pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Atta Akyea Expected to Review Proceedings
With his appointment now confirmed, Atta Akyea is expected to assume full responsibility for the defence, review the extensive record of proceedings and determine what legal applications or submissions may be necessary moving forward.
Chairman Wontumi stated that his newly appointed counsel would take all lawful steps required to protect his constitutional rights and ensure that he receives a fair hearing before the courts.
“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,” he noted.
The NPP regional chairman further reiterated his confidence in Ghana’s judicial system, expressing hope that the courts would continue to be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law and the principles of justice.
Call for Fairness and Due Process
Wontumi stressed that despite the seriousness of the charges against him, he remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence.
He noted that under Ghanaian law, the burden remains on the prosecution to prove every element of the offences beyond reasonable doubt before any conviction can be secured.
“The charges before the Court are serious, and I remain firmly committed to defending myself through the due process of law.
