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 Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
The appointment comes after the High Court on Monday dismissed an application by Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, to withdraw from the case.
In a statement issued on Monday June 15, 2026, Wontumi said the decision to engage Atta Akyea followed careful consultation and was made in exercise of his constitutional right to be represented by counsel of his own choice.
According to him, the move is intended to ensure that his defence is presented comprehensively, effectively and in strict accordance with the law.
“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 appointment should not be interpreted as a criticism of his previous legal team, expressing gratitude for their efforts and commitment 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.
Earlier on Monday, Appiah-Kubi informed the court of his decision to withdraw from representing the NPP chairman. Speaking after the court proceedings, he indicated that he would formally notify the court of his withdrawal and suggested that Wontumi should be afforded sufficient time to secure new legal representation.
The development triggered discussions about the future direction of Wontumi’s defence, with the NPP chairman moving swiftly to announce Atta Akyea as his new lead lawyer.
Wontumi maintained that despite the seriousness of the charges against him, he remains committed to defending himself through the due process of law and within the framework of Ghana’s legal system.
He stressed that, like every accused person, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law and that the responsibility rests on the prosecution to establish every element of the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt.
The NPP chairman further disclosed that his newly appointed counsel will take the necessary legal steps to assume responsibility for his defence, study the record of proceedings and make any submissions or applications required to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
He also expressed confidence in the country’s judicial system, saying he believes the court will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana and the principles of justice and fairness in handling the matter.
Wontumi concluded by calling on the public and all parties involved to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation, prejudice or undue interference while his defence is conducted in accordance with the law.
The appointment of Atta Akyea marks a significant development in the case and is expected to shape the next phase of the legal battle as proceedings continue before the court.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI
