Atta Akyea explains 'last minute' takeover from Appiah-Kubi in Wontumi case

Former Abuakwa South Member of Parliament and legal practitioner, Samuel Atta Akyea has disclosed that Chairman Wontumi approached him to take over his legal defence in the ongoing criminal proceedings linked to Akonta Mining.

According to Atta Akyea, he only agreed to represent the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, after seeking confirmation that his previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, had voluntarily withdrawn from the case.

Speaking on the matter, Atta Akyea explained that he sought clarity on the circumstances surrounding the change in legal representation before accepting the brief.

According to a report by adomonline.com on June 16, 2026, Atta Kyea after some engagements established that Appiah-Kubi was not dismissed but had personally informed Chairman Wontumi of his decision to step away from the case.

“Andy had indicated to my latest client that he wanted to exit the case, so, he was not fired. It was his voluntary announcement to Wontumi that, for some considerations, he did not see himself continuing with the case,” he explained.

Wontumi explains decision to appoint Atta Akyea as lead counsel

Atta Akyea said concerns over the possibility of the accused being left without legal representation at a critical stage of the proceedings influenced his decision to step in.

“I think that this case is very sensitive. For him not to have legal representation at this stage will not sit well with the criminal justice delivery system,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of legal representation in advanced criminal proceedings, noting that written legal submissions based on evidence and law can significantly influence the outcome of a case.

“The strength of the written submission, if it is based on evidence and law, can be good enough to secure an acquittal. Most lawyers will agree with me that that is how it works,” he stated.

His comments come after Chairman Wontumi announced Atta Akyea as his new lead counsel following Appiah-Kubi’s decision to withdraw from the case linked to Akonta Mining.

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