The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced the appointment of former Abuakwa South MP and lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
In a statement issued on Monday, Chairman Wontumi said the decision was reached after careful consultation and forms part of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his own choosing.
According to him, the appointment is aimed at ensuring that his defence is presented fully, effectively and in accordance with the law.
“I 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 criminal proceedings against me,” the statement said.
Chairman Wontumi expressed gratitude to his previous legal team for their commitment and services throughout the case, stressing that the change should not be interpreted as a reflection on their competence or dedication.
He noted that the charges before the court are serious and reaffirmed his commitment to defending himself 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,” he stated.
The businessman and politician indicated that his newly appointed counsel would take the necessary legal steps to assume responsibility for his defence, review the records of proceedings and make any applications required to protect his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Chairman Wontumi further expressed confidence in Ghana’s judicial system, saying he believes the process will be guided by the Constitution, the laws of the country and the principles of justice and fairness.
He appealed to all parties and the general public to allow the legal process to proceed without speculation or prejudice while his defence is conducted in accordance with the law.