The legal representation of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has undergone a significant change ahead of the anticipated judgment in the Samreboi mining case.
This follows the appointment of former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta-Akyea as lead counsel after lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi sought to step aside from the case.
The development comes as the High Court in Accra prepares to deliver judgment on allegations that Chairman Wontumi allowed unauthorised mining activities on a concession belonging to Akonta Mining Company Limited in the Western Region.
During proceedings on Tuesday, the court dismissed an application filed by Mr. Appiah-Kubi seeking permission to withdraw as counsel for the NPP stalwart.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the case, ruled that the application was unknown to criminal procedure and therefore incompetent.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi had informed the court that he wished to withdraw from the case because he believed it was in the best interest of his client for another legal team to take over the defence.
According to him, certain developments during the trial and decisions of the court had left him disappointed, and he feared those circumstances could affect his performance and ultimately impact his client’s case.
The application, however, was strongly opposed by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who argued that criminal procedure does not require a defence lawyer to seek the court’s permission before withdrawing from a case.
He maintained that since Mr. Appiah-Kubi was not a party to the criminal proceedings, he lacked the legal standing to file such an application before the court.
In her ruling, Justice Kocuvie-Tay agreed that no legal requirement exists for a defence lawyer to obtain leave of the court before discontinuing representation in a criminal matter.
She stated that the decision to withdraw legal services remained a matter between counsel and the client and did not require judicial approval.
The judge, however, expressed concern over the timing of the withdrawal, given that the trial had reached its final stage and a date had already been fixed for judgment.
Despite the change in legal representation, the court indicated that the proceedings would not be delayed.
The deadline for both the prosecution and defence to file their written addresses was extended from June 17 to June 24, while the date for judgment remains July 3, 2026.
Shortly after the ruling, Chairman Wontumi announced that Samuel Atta-Akyea had been appointed to lead his defence team.
In a statement, he said the decision was made after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his choice.
He explained that the move was intended to ensure his defence is presented fully and effectively in accordance with the law.
Chairman Wontumi also clarified that the appointment of a new lawyer should not be interpreted as a criticism of his previous legal team, whom he commended for their dedication and service throughout the proceedings.
The High Court is expected to deliver its verdict in the matter on July 3.
