The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appointed veteran lawyer and former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead counsel in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.
The high-profile shakeup follows a dramatic turn of events in court, where a judge blocked Wontumi’s previous legal representative from stepping down.
High Court Rejects Previous Counsel’s Withdrawal
On Monday, 15th June 2026, the High Court dismissed an application by Wontumi’s former lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who had sought to officially withdraw from the case.
In its ruling, the court held that the application lacked supporting legal authority and judicial precedent.
Crucially, the court noted that Appiah-Kubi had failed to formally serve the withdrawal application to his own client—an omission the judge deemed a fundamental breach of legal procedure.
Appiah-Kubi had publicly signalled his intent to walk away days earlier.
Speaking to the media on 11th June 2026, the lawmaker-turned-lawyer expressed deep disappointment with how the trial was being managed, citing serious concerns over “the conduct of the proceedings and the court’s handling of the matter.”
A Change in Strategy, Not a Reflection of Competence
In a statement reacting to the development, Chairman Wontumi clarified that the decision to bring Atta Akyea on board was an exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation 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,” Wontumi stated. “It is intended to ensure that my defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law.”
He was quick to praise his outgoing legal team, emphasising that the transition should not be viewed as a lack of confidence in their abilities.
”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.
Moving Forward
Wontumi indicated that Atta Akyea and the restructured legal team will immediately take steps to formally assume responsibility for the case, review the court records, and file the necessary submissions to protect his right to a fair hearing.
Reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary, the NPP regional chairman reminded the public of a core legal tenet as he prepares to fight the charges.
”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,” Wontumi concluded, urging the public to refrain from speculation and prejudice as the trial progresses.