Legal practitioner, Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers, has condemned Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi, the former legal counsel for embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a.k.a. Wontumi, in his Akonta Mining trial.
He says “the timing of the withdrawal does not favour the client or party in question, Wontumi.”
Speaking on the BigIssue segment on the NewDay morning show on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Brako-Powers said the matter is due for judgement, making Appiah-Kubi’s withdrawal problematic for his client.
He said Appiah-Kubi’s reason for withdrawing his legal representation for Wontumi unacceptable, since it does not satisfy any of the two instances under which a lawyer can withdraw his services for a client.
According to him, L.I. 23(24) clearly states that once a matter is before a court, a lawyer who wants to withdraw his services for a client does so under the direction of the court, whereas he is required to inform the client by notice under instances where the matter is not yet on trial.
He says Mr. Appiah-Kubi’s utterances following his decision to opt out of the case is unwarranted, suggesting the best approach would have been for him to keep mute over the issue.
“Sometimes as a lawyer you should also be cautious of your public utterances. If you’re withdrawing, my best suggestion would have been for him to keep quiet. If you have any comments to make with regards to the judge’s decision, you have every right to do so but do not dabble in the case which is before the judge.”
Following the withdrawal of Appiah-Kubi’s services for the embattled Chairman, Wontumi has appointed a former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, as his new lead counsel in the ongoing criminal case involving Akonta Mining.
Wontumi’s position followed Appiah-Kubi’s formal petition to the court to withdraw his services for him.
However, the High Court on Monday, June 15, 2026, dismissed the application by Appiah-Kubi to withdraw as counsel for Wontumi.
Delivering its ruling, the court held that any legal authority or judicial precedent did not support the application. The court further noted that the application had not been served on the client, a requirement it considered fundamental in such circumstances.
In a subsequent statement, Wontumi said the decision to appoint Atta Akyea was made after careful consultation and in exercise of his constitutional right to legal representation by counsel of his choice.
“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,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to his previous legal team for their services and commitment, stressing that the change should not be interpreted as a reflection on their competence or dedication.
“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,” he added.
Chairman Wontumi further indicated that his new legal team would take the necessary steps to assume responsibility for his defence, review the record of proceedings, and make any submissions or applications required to protect his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to defending himself through the legal process and underscored the principle of presumption of innocence.
“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,” he said.
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