Lawyer and former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah Kubi, has stepped aside as counsel for New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in the GH¢30 million Ghana Export Import (EXIM) Bank case.
He has been replaced by private legal practitioner Samuel Atta Akyea, who is now leading Wontumi’s defence in the matter.
The change in legal representation marks a fresh turn in the high profile case, which has drawn strong public interest within political and legal circles.
Appiah-Kubi was previously counsel for Wontumi in the Samreboi illegal mining case before he withdrew from that trial as well. That case, which ended in Wontumi’s conviction and sentencing, was also transferred to Atta Akyea.
Appiah Kubi had explained his exit from the mining case as stemming from disappointment with the attitude of the court. The reason for his withdrawal from the EXIM Bank case, however, has not yet been fully explained publicly.
The development comes at a time when the matter continues to attract attention over its legal and political implications.
Wontumi is standing trial over allegations involving financial dealings with the state owned EXIM Bank. He has pleaded not guilty to all seven counts levelled against him.