Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea has assumed the defence of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the ongoing Samreboi illegal mining trial.
The development follows Monday’s ruling by Criminal Court 4, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, dismissing a motion by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi seeking leave to withdraw as counsel for the first accused in Republic v Bernard Antwi-Boasiako & 2 Others (Suit No. CR/0004/2026).
The court upheld a jurisdictional objection raised by Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, holding that no application for leave is required before counsel may withdraw from representing an accused person in criminal proceedings. Rather, the court held, counsel is only required to notify the court of the withdrawal of legal services.
Following the ruling, sources indicate that Mr. Appiah-Kubi is expected to formally notify the court of his withdrawal from the case.
Chairman Wontumi has since appointed former Abuakwa South MP and lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as his new lead defence counsel. In a statement announcing the change, the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman said the decision was taken after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.
He expressed appreciation to his previous legal team, stressing that the decision should not be construed as a reflection on their competence or commitment.
“The charges before the Court are serious, and I remain firmly committed to defending myself through the due process of law,” he stated.
According to Chairman Wontumi, his newly constituted legal team will review the record of proceedings and undertake all lawful steps necessary to protect his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
“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,” the statement said.
The Samreboi case, which has attracted considerable public interest, concerns allegations that Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited carried out mining activities within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve without the requisite approvals from state authorities. The accused persons have denied any wrongdoing.
With judgment scheduled for July 3, 2026, the appointment of Samuel Atta Akyea ushers in a new phase in one of the country’s most closely watched criminal trials, even as Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited continue to maintain their innocence.
