Wontumi appoints Atta Akyea as lead counsel in Akonta Mining case
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has named former Abuakwa South MP and legal practitioner Samuel Atta Akyea as his new lead counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings involving Akonta Mining.
The change in legal representation comes after his previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, indicated his intention to step down from the case.
However, on Monday, June 15, the High Court rejected Appiah-Kubi’s application to withdraw as counsel for Wontumi. The court ruled that there was no legal basis or judicial precedent supporting the request and further noted that the application had not been properly served on the client, a key procedural requirement.
Following the developments, Chairman Wontumi explained that his decision to engage Atta Akyea was made after careful consultation and in line with his constitutional right to choose his own legal representation.
He stressed that the move was aimed at ensuring a full and effective defence in accordance with due process.
Wontumi also expressed gratitude to his former legal team for their service, emphasising that the decision to change counsel should not be interpreted as a criticism of their competence or commitment.
He added that his new lawyers would take immediate steps to familiarise themselves with the case file, review court proceedings, and file any necessary applications to safeguard his right to a fair trial.
Reaffirming his stance, he maintained his commitment to the legal process and reiterated the presumption of innocence.
“The charges before the Court are serious, and I remain firmly committed to defending myself through the due process of law,” he said, urging the public to allow the case to proceed without speculation.
His remarks come days after Andy Appiah-Kubi publicly announced his withdrawal from the case, citing dissatisfaction with aspects of the court’s handling of proceedings.
Despite the legal changes, Wontumi expressed confidence in the justice system and called for calm as the trial continues.
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