Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has appointed former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament 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 appointment was made after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation 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 decision is aimed at ensuring that his defence is presented comprehensively, 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. It is intended to ensure that my defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

Chairman Wontumi also expressed appreciation to his former legal team for their dedication and service throughout the proceedings.

He emphasized that the decision to appoint a new lead counsel should not be interpreted as a reflection on the competence or commitment of his previous lawyers but rather as an exercise of his legal right to determine the composition of his defence team.

The announcement comes shortly after his former lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, sought to withdraw from the case.

Mr Appiah-Kubi had filed an application requesting the court’s permission to discontinue his representation of the NPP chairman, citing professional reasons.

However, the High Court on Monday, June 15, 2026, struck out the application, effectively maintaining him on record as counsel in the matter.

The development generated considerable public interest and speculation regarding the future direction of Chairman Wontumi’s legal defence.

Addressing the charges against him, Chairman Wontumi reaffirmed his innocence and expressed confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.

“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 noted that, like every accused person, he is 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 said.

According to the statement, Samuel Atta Akyea will take the necessary legal steps to formally assume responsibility for the defence, review the case proceedings, and file any applications required to protect his client’s right to a fair hearing.

Chairman Wontumi expressed confidence that the case 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 stated.

He also appealed to the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without prejudice, speculation, or interference while the matter 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)