Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced the appointment of lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea as his new Lead Defence Counsel in the ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
The appointment comes days after the court rejected an application by his former lead counsel, lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, to withdraw from representing him in the ongoing proceedings.
In a statement issued Monday, Wontumi said the decision was taken after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation of his own choosing.
He said the appointment was intended to ensure that his defence was presented fully, effectively and in accordance with the law.
Wontumi also expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their services and commitment throughout the proceedings.
He added that the decision to change counsel should not be interpreted as a reflection on the competence or dedication of his former lawyers but rather as an exercise of his legal right to determine the composition of his defence team.
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 criminal proceedings 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.
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)