The lawyer for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has formally withdrawn from representing his client in the ongoing Akonta Mining criminal case.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.

According to him, 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“I have withdrawn from the Akonta Mining case in Criminal Court 4 with stated reasons in the affidavit in support of my motion.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.