Lawyer and former Minister for Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, will now represent the Ashanti Regional Minister, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) in the Samreboi illegal mining case. The development follows the previous lawyer, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal from the case.

This information was disclosed in a statement issued by Chairman Wontumi on Monday, June 15.

Part of the statement read, “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 case 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".

Meanwhile, the case is expected to come to a close on July 3. In April, Chairman Wontumi’s bid to halt his ongoing criminal trial in the alleged Samreboi illegal mining case was thrown out by the Court of Appeal. The presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocouvi-Teyon, gave the ruling on Tuesday, April 21.

Last year, the court suspended two trial cases involving Wontumi, which were postponed. In the first case, which concerns allegations that he permitted mining activities on his concession at Samreboi without the required approval, proceedings were adjourned to November 12.

The second case, in which Wontumi is accused of mining operations in the Tano Nimire Forest Reserve without authorization, was also postponed to December 4 because the presiding judge is currently on leave.

The adjournment became necessary on the back of a request from the prosecution to enable them to serve the defense with necessary disclosures.

Chairman Wontumi has been accused of aiding individuals to mine without a proper licence at the Samreboi concession. Wontumi’s lawyer has noted that there is no evidence to support the galamsey charges levelled against his client.

Speaking to the media on Friday, October 10, Enoch Afoakwa noted that Chairman Wontumi is unshaken in his insistence on innocence in the face of all galamsey charges.

He added, “So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven.”

“When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty to all the several counts of allegations that have been levelled against him. So certainly his position has not changed. He still maintains his innocence. Once he has pleaded not guilty to the various counts that he has been charged with, his presumption of innocence under Article 19(2c) triggers — and that means he is presumed innocent until proven".

Chairman Wontumi, was released from police custody after spending three nights in detention on Friday, October 10.

His release followed the fulfillment of bail requirements totaling GHS25 million, imposed in connection with two separate illegal mining cases currently before the court.

On October 7, he was unable to meet the bail conditions set by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra. In one of the cases, the court granted him GHS15 million bail with two sureties, while in the other, an additional GHS10 million bail was set, also with two sureties—one of whom must justify with landed property.

The court further directed Wontumi to report to investigators once every week for the first month and prohibited him from traveling outside the country without explicit approval.

Read the 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 ainst 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).