Chairman Wontumi Appoints Hon. Samuel Atta Akyea as New Lead Defence Counsel

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has appointed Hon. Samuel Atta Akyea as his new Lead Defence Counsel in ongoing criminal proceedings against him.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Chairman Wontumi said the decision followed “careful consultation” and was made in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.

“This decision has been taken… to ensure that my defence is presented fully, effectively, and in accordance with the law,” he stated.

Appreciation to former legal team

The NPP stalwart expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their “services and commitment throughout these proceedings.”

He stressed that the change in counsel “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.”

Presumption of innocence

Addressing the charges before the court, Chairman Wontumi said: “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.”

He added that the burden rests on the prosecution “to establish every element of the offences charged beyond reasonable doubt.”

Next steps for new counsel

According to the statement, Hon. Samuel Atta Akyea, former Abuakwa South MP and Minister for Works and Housing, will take the necessary lawful steps to assume responsibility for the defence. This includes reviewing the record of proceedings and making submissions and applications needed to safeguard Wontumi’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Chairman Wontumi expressed “full confidence that the judicial process will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of Ghana, and the principles of justice and fairness.”

He concluded by requesting 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.”