Private legal practitioner Samuel Atta Akyea has assumed the role of defense counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in his GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud case.
The transition in legal representation was disclosed on Monday, July 27, when the politician, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, appeared before the Accra High Court alongside senior members of the opposition NPP who attended to show solidarity.
Addressing the court, Mr Atta Akyea formally notified the bench of the change in defense personnel following the departure of the former lead attorney.
“Andy Appiah-Kubi has withdrawn his legal services for Chairman Wontumi and his company, Wontumi Farms Limited, and I have assumed his role as their new lawyer,” Mr Atta Akyea told the court.
The hearing took place one week after Chairman Wontumi received a 20-year prison sentence in a separate legal proceeding regarding illegal mining activity on the Samreboi concession.
He was present at the Accra High Court on Monday to proceed with trial activities concerning charges against him and Wontumi Farms Limited over alleged financial dealings involving the Export-Import Bank of Ghana (EXIM Bank).
The courtroom was filled with NPP stalwarts gathered to watch the day’s events unfold.
This procedural update comes after the Office of the Attorney-General indicated that it had turned down a plea bargain request submitted by Chairman Wontumi regarding the EXIM Bank matter.