Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM, Andy Appiah-Kubi said his client has not done anything like that, stressing that it is premature to even discuss a plea deal since the case has not yet advanced to that stage.

According to him, the defence team is awaiting the Attorney-General’s next legal steps before deciding on their course of action.

His comments follow recent revelations by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, that several offers were made to his office in connection with the ongoing prosecution of Chairman Wontumi over alleged illegal mining activities.

Dr. Ayine, speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, said he rejected all such offers, insisting that any plea bargain would only be considered under the supervision of a competent court.

He maintained that no political or external influence has affected his prosecutorial decisions, adding that claims by the NPP suggesting he was “cutting deals” were entirely false.

“No deal has been cut, and no deal will be cut except under the auspices of a court of competent jurisdiction,” the Attorney-General stressed.

Chairman Wontumi is facing prosecution over alleged illegal mining (galamsey) activities linked to Akonta Mining Limited.

He is accused of operating without a valid license, assigning mineral rights without ministerial approval, and facilitating unlicensed mining in the Samreboi Forest Reserve in the Western Region.

A joint security operation in April 2025 uncovered excavators, cash, firearms, and other equipment allegedly used for illegal mining.

Wontumi has pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by the High Court in Accra, with conditions including the surrender of his passport and placement on a stop list.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi explained that although the court granted bail on Tuesday, the process could not be completed before the close of day.

“We made an application for bail on Tuesday, and the court granted it with three sureties — two to be justified. We are processing the application, and by God’s grace, we have had people to sign the bail bond and stand as sureties,” he said.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi added that efforts are currently underway to finalise the necessary inspections and verifications required by the court and police.

“It was late after the court proceedings, so we couldn’t complete the process with the police and the court registrar. This morning, the police prosecutor, ASP Godwin, called to inform me that his men are ready to inspect the properties of the sureties so we can expedite the process,” he explained.

He commended both the police and the court registrar for their professionalism and cooperation, saying their proactive approach had helped to move the process forward.

“I really appreciate the effort of the police prosecutor for calling me to inform me they are ready — this is rare. I must also commend the court registrar, who is coincidentally also called Gordon, for his effort to expedite the process,” he said.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi expressed optimism that all formalities would be concluded soon, allowing for Chairman Wontumi’s release.

“I am very hopeful the processes will be finalised today, and Wontumi will be released,” he added.

Chairman Wontumi was granted a ₵25 million bail by the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court on Tuesday, October 7, in connection with two separate cases relating to alleged illegal mining activities.

The cases involve Akonta Mining Limited, a company linked to him, and reported mining operations in the Nimri Forest Reserve in the Western North Region.

He has been charged with multiple counts, including undertaking illegal mining operations and causing unlawful damage to the environment.

The embattled politician has also been placed on a stop list, barring him from traveling outside Ghana pending the resolution of his cases.

Source: Gertrude Otchere 

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In an interview on Adom News, Mr Appiah-Kubi dismissed the significance of Mr Nimako’s action, stating that he has no interest in maintaining personal communication with him.

“He is not someone I call. I don’t need his chats for anything. If he has blocked me, so what?” he said firmly.

Mr Nimako, who is also a lawyer, had accused Mr Appiah-Kubi of throwing him under the bus.

He made the disclosure on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, expressing concern over Mr Appiah-Kubi’s public claim that he was unaware of a variation application Mr Nimako had filed, which allegedly frustrated the bail process for Chairman Wontumi.

However, Appiah-Kubi admitted that Mr Nimako had previously called to criticise him for not communicating a key decision beforehand.

“He did not inform me that he was going to take another decision,” he stated, adding, “I am a senior to him, and he should take his time.”

Quoting Proverbs 4:7, the former Asante Akyem North MP emphasised the importance of wisdom and understanding in professional and personal conduct.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding,” he said, stressing that there is no basis for comparison between the two of them in terms of academic qualifications.

“He cannot challenge me on my academic affairs. I can publicly advertise my results and let him come and publish his own. He is not someone I call. In fact, he would rather call me. He should never call me,” he declared.

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Mr. Nimako, who is also a lawyer, accused Mr. Appiah-Kubi, lead counsel for embattled NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, of throwing him under the bus.

He made the disclosure on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, expressing concern over Mr. Appiah-Kubi’s public statement that he was unaware of a variation application Mr. Nimako had filed, which allegedly frustrated the bail process for Chairman Wontumi.

“I spoke with him before applying, and he later came out to say the process had been frustrated, which was unfair. How do you throw this in the air? It is not right and fair.”

“I had spoken to you prior to filing, then you later say you are not aware. I have blocked his number because if I can have a meeting with you in confidence and you act this way in public, then it means I cannot talk to you again—so I have blocked his number,” he stated.

Chairman Wontumi has been under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for alleged financial crimes, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

Although he was granted GH₵50 million bail with two justified sureties on May 28, delays in meeting the bail terms stalled his release despite conditions being met by May 30.

To expedite the process, Mr. Nimako on Friday, May 30, filed an application requesting the court to reconsider the bail terms, based on grounds outlined in an accompanying affidavit.

The motion was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

However, on Monday, June 2, 2025, Mr. Nimako withdrew the application while Chairman Wontumi continued to remain in EOCO custody amidst agitation by NPP members.

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The application filed on Friday, May 30, 2025, is requesting that the court reconsiders the bail terms based on the grounds outlined in the accompanying affidavit.

The court is scheduled to hear the motion on June 3, 2025.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO on Tuesday, shortly after leaving the CID headquarters in Accra. His arrest has drawn widespread criticism from within the NPP

He remains in custody after failing to meet his bail conditions of GH₵50 million with two justified sureties on Wednesday, amid reports of ill health.

On Thursday, the Minority in Parliament and some members of the NPP stormed EOCO’s headquarters to protest the bail conditions, describing them as excessive and unreasonable.

Meanwhile, lead counsel and former Asante Akyem North MP, Andy Appiah-Kubi has revealed that all the necessary documentation for the two sureties has been completed, with significant support from the former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Abetifi MP, Bryan Acheampong.

Source: Adomonline.com 

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According to lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, all the necessary documentation for the two sureties has been completed, with significant support from the former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.

“We have been able to provide the sureties, that one, I can assure you, and I’m very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me to file the documents,” Mr Appiah-Kubi told JoyNews’ Michael Ashaley exclusively on Friday, May 30.

“He has brought his documents, which go over and above the value of money that is required. So I thank you very much.”

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail on Tuesday, May 27, to the tune of GH₵50 million with two sureties, both to be justified, after he was arrested by EOCO on suspicion of involvement in fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Until today, his legal team had only been able to secure one surety.

Mr Appiah-Kubi, however, confirmed that despite having met all bail conditions, his client will not be going home yet due to a fresh legal application filed earlier in the day.

He noted that the legal team is working swiftly to resolve the new court matter and expressed hope that the issue could be cleared by Monday, which would pave the way for Chairman Wontumi’s release.

“My client is not going home tonight. We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can go forward,” he said.

“Unknown to me, there was an application to frustrate what we are doing, so we will deal with it on Monday. It is an application that was not filed by my good self, but that prohibits us.”

The lawyer disclosed that although EOCO officers were ready to proceed with the inspection of the properties listed by the sureties, the pending court application legally restrains them from moving forward until the matter is resolved.

“They had agreed to do the inspection tonight, so all the officers are there, but the challenge that I faced is legal. We can’t do it,” he explained.

He also clarified confusion over the whereabouts of Chairman Wontumi, contradicting earlier claims by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had indicated they were unaware of his location.

Touching on his client’s health, the lawyer dismissed rumours of a hunger strike and assured the public that Wontumi was receiving medical care.

“We had brought him to meet with the former Vice President, but the situation we saw was difficult—to arrange this meeting, to pass through the crowd, to get the Vice President to see him and talk to him. So we had to take him back,” he recounted.

“I told you that his condition of health requires attention. So he’s receiving attention and there’s nothing to worry about in respect of his health.”

Mr Appiah-Kubi is optimistic that once the court matter is resolved, Chairman Wontumi will be released by Monday, June 2.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse today, Wontumi’s lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi stated, “That is true,” when asked about accusations from the NPP Ashanti Regional Chapter that EOCO was preventing his family from seeing him.

Mr Appiah-Kubi explained that, even as his legal representative, he must “apply for the application to be approved” and “be led by an official” to gain access to his client.

He added that Wontumi’s phones have been confiscated, making it impossible for him to communicate with anyone independently.

The lawyer views this restriction as a “violation” of his client’s rights.

His legal team indicated that they would consider seeking further redress for the denial of family access at an “appropriate time”, with their immediate focus on securing his release.

Chairman Wontumi is receiving medical attention at a clinic while in EOCO’s custody, and his lawyer confirmed he “has been unwell and is still unwell.”

However, the lawyer denied knowledge of any hunger strike, stating he had dinner with Wontumi just two days prior.

The legal team has met the GHS 50 million bail conditions imposed by EOCO, which require two justified sureties, but they have to wait until Monday to ascertain the fate of the outspoken regional chairman, as EOCO has filed another suit in court.

Wontumi’s legal representatives have already filed an application in court seeking a variation of the bail conditions, which they describe as “most difficult and worse and most unfair”.

The lawyer highlighted that while EOCO has the mandate to arrest, the “mode” of Wontumi’s apprehension, being “accosted in the middle of the road and arrested” without prior direct invitation, is a primary concern.

Chairman Wontumi was initially invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for allegedly mining without a license and polluting a river in the Western Region.

He has denied all these allegations. His current detention by EOCO focuses on separate allegations of “causing financial loss to the state”.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Wontumi is reportedly “not too happy with the situation” but has expressed his willingness to cooperate with any legitimate invitations from security agencies.

Source: Myjoyonline

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According to Andy Appiah-Kubi, Chairman Wontumi is currently receiving medical attention at a clinic while in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Friday, May 30, he confirmed that Wontumi has not been well since his detention began but rejected claims that he is refusing food.

His clarification follows comments by the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyire, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who alleged that Chairman Wontumi had refused to eat as a form of protest.

Describing the situation as “shocking,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh said Wontumi was on a hunger strike and that there was a lack of official communication regarding his welfare.

However, Mr. Appiah-Kubi stated that he had not received any such information, revealing that he had shared a meal with his client just days ago.

“Two days ago in the evening, I had dinner with him. I’m going to see him now at EOCO. After that, he will respond whether this happened today or yesterday,” the lawyer said.

Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for alleged involvement in fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes. He was granted bail set at GH₵50 million with two sureties, both to be justified.

So far, his legal team has secured only one of the required sureties, leaving him unable to meet the bail conditions for release.

Source: MyJoyOnline

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In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Appiah-Kubi said they were hopeful Chairman Wontumi would secure the required sureties for his bail, but efforts so far have been unsuccessful.

He disclosed that some individuals who initially agreed to help later became hesitant after their names were made public.

“In such cases, mentioning names doesn’t help because yesterday some people who earlier agreed to help later became reluctant and withdrew because their names were made public. So it’s better not to put out names,” he said.

“But when everything is settled and we have permission to publish the names, we will do so,” he added.

The former Asante Akyem North MP’s comments follow reports that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had secured all the necessary sureties for Chairman Wontumi’s release.

Dr Bawumia’s aide, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, stated in a social media post that the required documents had been submitted and were awaiting verification by the relevant authorities.

However, Mr Appiah-Kubi said he could neither confirm nor deny the development, though he acknowledged they were expecting some individuals to arrive on Friday morning.

“We are still here waiting, and I am praying that the person bringing the sureties comes. I haven’t had any information regarding Dr Bawumia’s sureties, but I know someone is coming,” he stated.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, shortly after leaving the CID headquarters in Accra. His arrest has drawn widespread criticism from within the NPP.

He remains in custody after failing to meet his bail conditions of GH₵50 million with two justified sureties on Wednesday, amid reports of ill health.

While EOCO has yet to officially disclose full details of his arrest, Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has confirmed that the outspoken politician is being investigated for alleged fraud, money laundering, and international organised crime.

On Thursday, the Minority in Parliament and some members of the NPP stormed EOCO’s headquarters to protest the bail conditions, describing them as excessive and unreasonable.

Source: Gertrude Otchere 

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi disclosed that Chairman Wontumi had been unwell even before his arrest.

“He has had the flu since last week and was undergoing medical attention, which is why we requested that the CID postpone his interrogation. He is still undergoing treatment and hasn’t fully recovered, so he is at the hospital,” he stated.

Chairman Wontumi was picked up by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday shortly after leaving the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra, where he had honoured an invitation for questioning.

Later that evening, his lawyer confirmed that the embattled politician had been hospitalised.

On Wednesday, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Paul Yandoh, stated that Chairman Wontumi’s whereabouts were unknown and that no official communication had been received regarding his condition.

Yandoh also revealed that the Chairman, who is on medication, had missed his Tuesday evening dose and still had not taken it as of Wednesday afternoon.

However, his lawyer has now confirmed that an agreement has been reached with EOCO, and Chairman Wontumi is receiving the necessary medical care.