Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced the appointment of former Member of Parliament and lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as his new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 15, 2026, Chairman Wontumi said the decision was reached after careful consultation and in the exercise of his constitutional right to choose legal representation.

According to him, the appointment is intended to ensure that his defence is presented comprehensively, effectively, and in 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,” the statement said.

Chairman Wontumi expressed gratitude to his previous legal team for their service and commitment throughout the case, emphasising that the change in representation should not be interpreted as a criticism of their competence or dedication.

He noted that the decision reflects his legal right to determine the composition of his defence team.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) also reiterated his commitment to defending himself through the due process of law, stressing that he remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

He further stated that the prosecution bears the responsibility of proving every element of the charges against him beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the statement, Atta Akyea will undertake the necessary legal steps to formally assume responsibility for the defence, review the record of proceedings, and make submissions and applications required to protect his client’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Chairman Wontumi expressed confidence in Ghana’s judicial system, stating that he believes the proceedings will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana, and the principles of justice and fairness.

He also appealed to the public and all parties involved to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice while the case is being heard before the courts.

The criminal proceedings against Chairman Wontumi remain ongoing.

Andy Appiah-Kubi withdraws

This comes after the lawyer for Wontumi formally withdrawn from representing his client in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.

Andy Appiah-Kubi announced on Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday, June 11, 2026, stating that his decision was driven by concerns over how the court has managed the proceedings.

He said his withdrawal was influenced by what he described as deep disappointment with the conduct, record, and determinations of the court throughout the case.

“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion. My disappointment is in the attitude, record and the determinations of the court so far in handling these matters before the court. I’m so totally disappointed that is why I am withdrawing,” he stated.

Appiah-Kubi also rejected suggestions that his decision is linked to ongoing plea bargaining discussions involving Chairman Wontumi in the EXIM Bank alleged fraud case, insisting that the two matters are separate and should not be conflated.

He emphasised that his withdrawal applies only to the Akonta Mining prosecution and not to other legal matters involving his client.

Despite stepping away from the Akonta Mining case, he confirmed that he will continue to represent Chairman Wontumi in other ongoing cases, including the EXIM Bank matter.

Wontumi, together with Kwame Anto and Akonta Mining Company Limited, his mining firm, has been charged for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.

He has been charged with facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, while his co-director, Kwame Antwi, is facing a charge of assigning mineral rights without approval.