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 was made after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to be represented by a lawyer of his choice.
“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 move is intended to ensure that his defence is presented fully and effectively in line 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. It is intended to ensure that my defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
Chairman Wontumi also expressed gratitude to his previous legal team for their work and dedication throughout the case.
“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 a few hours after his former lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, sought to withdraw from the case.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi filed an application asking the court to discharge him from representing the NPP chairman, citing professional reasons.
However, the High Court on Monday, June 15, 2026, struck out the application, effectively keeping him on record as counsel in the matter. The development generated widespread public interest and speculation over the future direction of Wontumi’s legal defence.
Addressing the ongoing case, Chairman Wontumi maintained his innocence and reiterated his confidence in the judicial process.
“The charges before the Court are serious, and I remain firmly committed to defending myself through the due process of law,” he stated.
He further stressed that he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
“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 now take the necessary legal steps to formally assume responsibility for the defence, review the proceedings and file any applications required to protect his client’s right to a fair hearing.
Chairman Wontumi expressed confidence that the matter would be handled fairly and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Ghana.
“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 said.
He also appealed to the public to allow the legal process to proceed without prejudice or speculation while the case remains before the courts.
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)
