The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appointed former Abuakwa South MP 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.
However, the High Court on Monday, June 15, dismissed an application by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi to withdraw as counsel for Wontumi. Delivering its ruling, the court held that any legal authority or judicial precedent did not support the application. The court further noted that the application had not been served on the client, a requirement it considered fundamental in such circumstances.
In a subsequent statement, Chairman Wontumi said the decision to appoint Atta Akyea was made after careful consultation and 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 appreciation to his previous legal team for their services and commitment, stressing that the change should not be interpreted as a reflection on their competence or dedication.
“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 further indicated that his new legal team would 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.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to defending himself through the legal process and underscored the principle of presumption of innocence.
“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.
The appointment comes days after Andy Appiah-Kubi announced his withdrawal from representing Chairman Wontumi in the case.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on June 11, Appiah-Kubi said his decision was influenced by what he described as concerns over the conduct of the proceedings and the court’s handling of the matter.
According to him, he was disappointed by the court’s attitude, record, and determination in managing the case.
Chairman Wontumi expressed confidence in the judicial process and urged the public to allow the legal proceedings to continue without speculation or prejudice.
