Wontumi Appoints Samuel Atta Akyea as New Lead Counsel
The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman says the appointment of former Abuakwa South MP Samuel Atta Akyea is aimed at ensuring an effective defence as his criminal case proceeds.
- Wontumi has appointed Samuel Atta Akyea as his new lead defence counsel
- The move follows his decision to reshuffle his legal team in an ongoing criminal case
- He says the change is to ensure an effective and proper legal defence
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 defence counsel in the criminal case against him.
In a statement issued on Monday, Chairman Wontumi said the decision followed careful consultation and was in line with his constitutional right to choose legal representation.
“I wish to respectfully inform the Court, the parties, and the general public that I have decided to appoint Hon. Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as my new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against me,” he stated.
According to him, the appointment is aimed at ensuring that his defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law.
“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,” the statement added.
Chairman Wontumi also expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their service 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 noted.
The announcement comes just hours after his former lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, sought to withdraw from the case, citing professional reasons.
However, the High Court struck out the application on Monday, June 15, 2026, ruling that it did not meet the legal requirements for withdrawal and effectively keeping Appiah-Kubi on record as counsel in the matter.
Reaffirming his innocence, Chairman Wontumi said he remains committed to defending himself through due process.
“The charges before the Court are serious, and I remain firmly committed to defending myself through the due process of law,” he said.
He further stressed that he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
“As with every accused person, I am entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law, and the burden rests on the prosecution to establish every element of the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt,” he added.
According to the statement, Samuel Atta Akyea will take the necessary legal steps to formally assume responsibility for the defence, review the proceedings, and file any applications required to safeguard his client’s right to a fair hearing.
Chairman Wontumi expressed confidence in the judicial process and appealed to the public to allow the matter to proceed without prejudice or speculation.
“I have full confidence that the judicial process will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana, and the principles of justice and fairness,” he stated.
Read the full statement below:
STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT OF NEW LEAD COUNSEL
I, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), wish to respectfully inform the Court, the parties, and the general public that I have decided to appoint Hon. Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as my new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against me.
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.
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.
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, and the burden rests on the prosecution to establish every element of the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt.
Accordingly, my newly appointed counsel will take the necessary lawful steps to assume responsibility for my defence, review the record of proceedings, and make all submissions and applications that may be necessary to safeguard my constitutional right to a fair hearing.
I have full confidence that the judicial process will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana, and the principles of justice and fairness.
I therefore respectfully request that all parties and the public allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice while my defence is conducted in accordance with the law.
Bernard Antwi Boasiako
(Chairman Wontumi)
