Atta Akyea Denies Using Legal Vacation to Delay Wontumi Trial

Lead counsel for NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, Samuel Atta Akyea, has rejected claims that the defence is using the judiciary's legal vacation to delay the ongoing GH¢30 million EXIM Bank fraud trial. Mr. Atta Akyea made the comments on JoyNews' Top Story on Tuesday in response to remarks by Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai.

Rebutting Delay Claims

Samuel Atta Akyea, the lead counsel for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has categorically denied claims that the defence is using the judiciary's legal vacation to delay the ongoing trial. According to him, his client's intention is "far from that." Mr. Atta Akyea insisted that he is only committed to paying "obeisance to the rule of law and I want people to have justice."

Upholding the Rule of Law

Mr. Atta Akyea emphasized that the defence is not trying to delay the case, but rather, they are committed to ensuring that his client receives due process. "He will confirm. I haven’t done anything like that. I’ve faithfully attended court from the beginning to now," he said. Mr. Atta Akyea also expressed his commitment to the justice system, stating, "This realm is to uphold the rule of law. We shouldn’t give any indication that we are practicing a two-track system where one is expedited, the other is not. One is an ambulance, the other is normal track."

Background on the Case

The prosecution alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Mr. Boasiako and his co-accused obtained about GH¢14.3 million through Wontumi Farms Limited under the pretext of financing an industrial agricultural project. The State further alleges that an altered pro forma invoice was used to secure an additional GH¢4 million facility for heavy-duty equipment which was allegedly never purchased. The prosecution says the outstanding liability, including interest, has since exceeded GH¢30 million.

Next Steps in the Trial

The case has been adjourned to August 27, 2026, to allow for plea-bargain negotiations to conclude. The defence had asked for an adjournment until October, but the court opted for a 30-day period. The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, explained that the plea-bargain discussions had been interrupted by Mr. Boasiako's conviction in a separate illegal mining case, where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Mr. Atta Akyea's comments come amid these developments, as the defence seeks to ensure that his client receives due process.

Source: JOY