Chairman Wontumi Appoints Samuel Atta Akyea as Lead Counsel Following Court Rejection of Lawyer’s Withdrawal Bid

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has appointed former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead defense counsel. This transition occurs at a critical juncture in the criminal proceedings involving Akonta Mining Company Limited and its owner. On June 15, 2026, an Accra High Court dismissed an application by Wontumi’s previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, who sought formal permission to withdraw from the case. The court, upholding an objection from the Attorney-General, ruled that such a motion lacked a legal basis in criminal procedure, as lawyers do not require court approval to terminate representation. Despite this ruling, the change in counsel proceeded, with Atta Akyea emphasizing that his appointment aims to prevent a legal vacuum and ensure a robust defense as the trial nears its conclusion.

Developing the narrative behind the legal shift, Atta Akyea clarified that Andy Appiah-Kubi’s departure was voluntary and stemmed from dissatisfaction with the court’s management of the proceedings, rather than a dismissal. The High Court has since extended the deadline for the filing of final written addresses to late June 2026, while maintaining the high-stakes judgment date of July 3, 2026. This specific case centers on alleged illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining, a matter that has generated intense public interest and significant legal scrutiny. Wontumi has reaffirmed his commitment to the legal process, stressing the presumption of innocence and his constitutional right to choose his legal representation.

Parallel to the mining case, Chairman Wontumi faces further legal pressure regarding a GH¢30 million loan from Exim Bank. Allegations have surfaced involving the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and a criminal trial concerning potential fraud, forged documents, and a financial loss to the state estimated at over GH¢24 million. Reports indicate that the NPP Chairman has filed for a plea bargain in this matter, following findings that no equipment was actually purchased with the loan funds as originally agreed. The dual legal battles have created a complex landscape for the regional chairman, as the prosecution alleges that submitted receipts were fraudulent.

The implications of these trials extend into the political sphere, raising questions about Wontumi’s future within the NPP. Kwasi Kwarteng, a spokesperson for presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong, recently revealed that Agyapong had questioned Wontumi directly about the Exim Bank saga following his detention by EOCO. Kwarteng suggested that if Wontumi is convicted or enters a plea bargain that results in a criminal record, he could face ineligibility for future leadership positions within the party. As the July judgment approaches, the outcome of these cases is expected to have a profound impact on both Wontumi's personal liberty and his long-term political career in Ghana.