Former Director-General of the National Service Authority (NSA), Osei-Assibey Antwi, has appointed Ralph Poku-Adusei, Member of Parliament for Bekwai, as his new defence lawyer in the case in which he has been charged with causing financial loss to the state.
The appointment was contained in a notice of change of solicitor filed at the High Court on February 23, 2026, by Trent Legal Amansie Chambers and signed by Mr Poku-Adusei, head of chambers. The notice was served on the previous lawyers, the Attorney General and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
Mr Poku-Adusei has been involved in a number of high-profile criminal cases, including the case involving the widow and family of the late Bennet Agyekum Adomah, owner of Kikibees Restaurant and Lounge; the Republic versus Daniel Obinim; and the extradition matter of Republic versus Blessing Adeleke, among others.
He is expected to bring his experience in criminal law to bear on the defence of Mr Osei-Assibey Antwi. He is also noted for fostering professional collaboration between defence and prosecution in complex criminal matters.
At the High Court in Accra on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Mr Poku-Adusei, accompanied by six other lawyers from his chambers, appeared to represent his new client.
The State was expected to present an amended charge sheet after the original 14 counts were increased to 19. However, proceedings could not take place as the trial judge, Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, was reported to be indisposed.
Addressing the media after the adjournment, Mr Poku-Adusei said he had compared the old and new charge sheets and observed that the alleged amount involved had been reduced from GH¢631,629,744.00 to GH¢530,905,945.20.
He stated that the prosecution would have a daunting task in proving the ingredients of the offences in light of the brief facts accompanying the new charges.
Mr Poku-Adusei expressed confidence in his legal team’s readiness to defend their client and ensure that he is acquitted and discharged of all charges.
The case, before Criminal Court 5, was adjourned to Monday, March 9, 2026, at 1130 hours.
