Atta Akyea explains why he took over chairman Wontumi's defence

Former Abuakwa South MP and lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea says he agreed to represent Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to ensure he was not left without legal representation during a critical stage of his criminal case.

Speaking on Citi FM's Eyewitness News on Monday, Mr Atta Akyea described the matter as highly sensitive and said access to legal counsel was essential to the proper administration of justice.

"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.

Mr Atta Akyea said the latter stages of criminal proceedings often require detailed legal arguments and written submissions, which can play a significant role in determining the outcome of a case.

He noted that defence lawyers are expected to analyse the evidence and present arguments aimed at demonstrating that prosecutors have failed to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

"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 said.

According to Mr Atta Akyea, Chairman Wontumi informed him that his previous lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, intended to withdraw from the case.

He rejected suggestions that Mr Appiah-Kubi had been dismissed, saying the decision to step aside had come from the lawyer himself.

"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," Mr Atta Akyea said.

He said Chairman Wontumi subsequently approached him to take over the defence. However, he sought formal confirmation of Mr Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal before accepting the brief.

Mr Atta Akyea said the possibility of the NPP regional chairman being left without legal representation at such a crucial stage of the proceedings was a key factor in his decision.

"It is too sensitive a stage for him to be abandoned, and I can say that was one of the considerations that made me elect to help him," he said.

His comments come after Chairman Wontumi named Mr Atta Akyea as his new lead counsel in the ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining, following Mr Appiah-Kubi's withdrawal from the matter.