Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has secured new legal representation after private legal practitioner Andy Appiah-Kubi formally withdrew from the EXIM Bank case.

The change in legal representation came to light when the case was called before the Accra High Court on Monday, July 27, 2026.

Andy Appiah-Kubi withdraws as lawyer for Wontumi ahead of July 3 judgment

The development marks the second time in recent weeks that the former Asante Akyem North MP has stepped away from representing the embattled NPP chairman, having earlier withdrawn from Wontumi's legal team in the Samreboi illegal mining case.

Addressing the court, Atta Akyea announced that he had officially taken over the case and would lead the defence team going forward.

Although Appiah-Kubi did not publicly explain the reasons behind his decision to withdraw, his exit comes at a time when Wontumi is fighting multiple legal battles.

The Ashanti Regional NPP chairman has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from alleged financial dealings with the state-owned EXIM Bank.

His legal troubles, however, extend beyond the EXIM Bank prosecution.

The Accra High Court on July 20, 2026, convicted him in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case and sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of offences linked to illegal mining activities.

His lawyers have since filed a notice of appeal.

With Atta Akyea now leading the defence in the EXIM Bank case, attention is expected to shift to how the reconstituted legal team navigates Wontumi's ongoing court battles while pursuing an appeal against his illegal mining conviction.

NA/VPO