Wontumi’s Lawyer Abruptly Withdraws from Samreboi Illegal Mining Case

Accra: The legal challenges confronting the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, alias 'Chairman Wontumi', appear to be intensifying on multiple fronts, following dramatic developments in his two high-profile court cases. According to Ghana Web, in the Samreboi illegal mining case, his lawyer, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, has filed a motion to withdraw from the matter despite the Accra High Court's scheduled judgment on July 3, 2026. The case involves Wontumi, his private company, Akonta Mining Limited, and Kwame Antwi. This unexpected move has raised eyebrows, as Appiah-Kubi has been a staunch advocate for Wontumi throughout the trial and has publicly addressed the proceedings numerous times. Interestingly, Appiah-Kubi intends to continue representing Chairman Wontumi in the EXIM Bank case, overseen by Justice Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit. In this separate criminal case, Wontumi is negotiating a plea bargain with the State over allegations of fraud, money launderi ng, and causing financial loss exceeding GHS30 million to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, is leading the prosecution in both cases. During an appearance on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen show, Appiah Kubi disclosed his motion to withdraw from the Samreboi case, citing undisclosed reasons contained in an affidavit filed with the court. He expressed concerns about the influence surrounding the case and the judge's conduct, stating, "My reasons are in the affidavit. We will take the motion on Monday, so I won't discuss it." The Samreboi case has captured significant public and political attention, with allegations of illegal mining activities at a Samreboi concession involving Chairman Wontumi and others. Appiah Kubi has also called for high-profile criminal cases to be televised to foster transparency in the judicial process, arguing that public scrutiny could enhance confidence in the justice system. In parallel, the EXIM Bank case involves charges of defrauding by false pretence, uttering a forged document, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public institution. Chairman Wontumi is on trial alongside Wontumi Farms Limited and Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, who remains at large. Prosecutors allege financial mismanagement in a farming project financing arrangement, with claims that no farming activities occurred despite substantial funds being allocated. Under Ghana's criminal justice framework, plea bargaining provides an opportunity for an accused person and prosecution to negotiate a resolution, pending court approval. The revelations suggest misuse of EXIM Bank funds under the guise of promoting agriculture, with loans granted based on questionable claims and documentation. Investigations revealed that funds were not used for the proposed purposes, and loan applicants potentially included politically connected individuals. In this context, Chairman Wontumi's legal challenges continue to unfold, with the outcomes of both the Samreboi and EXIM Bank cases remaining uncertain. The developments highlight broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Ghana's judicial and financial systems.