Former lawyer for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has shared his experience of representing him during his legal battle.

Speaking about his time as Wontumi’s legal counsel, on UTV Adekye Nsroma on July 31, 2026, Appiah-Kubi said he had to guide Wontumi through several difficult moments, including his arrest and detention and trial.

According to him, it was particularly a very challenging moment, as managing Wontumi as a client was not easy.

“Chairman Wontumi greatly appreciates the work I did for him as his lawyer. Managing him as a person and managing him as a client is not easy,” he said.

Recounting the circumstances surrounding Wontumi’s arrest, he said he had to advise him against resisting the police.

“At the time of his arrest, I was sitting in a car with him. He was driving and I was the passenger. He was very furious and threatened to resist lawful arrest. I told him he could not resist lawful arrest,” he explained.

Appiah-Kubi said he eventually left Wontumi's vehicle and joined the police vehicle to the station, while Chairman Wontumi proceeded to the police station in his vehicle.

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“I eventually got down from the vehicle and ended up in a police car as probably the person under arrest, while he drove to the police station so as not to create a scene," he stated.

Appiah Kubi also said he played a role in shaping Wontumi’s conduct throughout the trial, including advising him on his courtroom appearance and interactions with the media.

“I told him how to conduct himself in court. I warned him not to engage the press on the court cases during the trial,” he said.

According to him, the case came with significant pressure and emotional strain for Wontumi.

“There was so much tension in the case. He went through a lot, what I term as psychological punishment,” he stated.

Appiah-Kubi further revealed that he influenced aspects of Wontumi’s public presentation, including his dressing, which he described as symbolic and even attracted comments from the presiding judge.

“I influenced the style of his dressing. The judge even commented on his dressing one time in court,” he said.

While acknowledging the court’s decision, Appiah-Kubi disagreed with the conviction and expressed hope that the appeal process would overturn the ruling.

“The conviction is not proper. I pray the appeal is successful,” he said.

An High Court convicted Wontumi on charges of assigning mineral rights without the approval of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and intentionally facilitating an unlicensed mining operation at Samreboi in the Western Region.

He was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. He was also fined 10,000 penalty units per count.

Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited have appealed the High Court's decision, urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment and acquit and discharge them.

The notice of appeal, filed on July 28, 2026, challenges the entire decision of the High Court.

See the video below:

Chairman Wontumi appreciates the work we did for him. Managing a client like him is no easy task. - Andy Appiah-Kubi Esq.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/Ld90aEiLCM

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) July 31, 2026