Residents and political actors in Kumasi have expressed mixed reactions to the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), by an Accra High Court.
While some described the sentence as politically motivated, others said it reflected the country’s resolve to deal decisively with individuals involved in illegal mining activities and protect forests, water bodies, and other natural resources.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on six charges brought against him in connection with illegal mining activities within the Samreboi mining concession in the Western Region.
Some Ashanti Regional NPP executives and sympathisers gathered at the venue of the ongoing vetting of aspiring regional executives in Kumasi told the Ghana News Agency that they were shocked by the sentence.
They described the punishment as harsh and appealed to President John Mahama to consider granting clemency to the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman.
The supporters expressed concern over the verdict, describing the jail term as excessive, and called on the President to exercise his constitutional powers to consider a reduction in the sentence.
According to them, although they respected the court’s decision, they believed the length of the sentence warranted further consideration.
Mr Kwame Adofo, a private legal practitioner in Kumasi, said the charges against Chairman Wontumi were based on legislation passed in 2020 as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in forest reserves.
He said it was important for the public to understand the basis of the court’s decision, adding that the release of the full judgment would provide greater clarity on the trial and its outcome.
Mr Adofo noted that Chairman Wontumi’s legal team could appeal the verdict and also file a motion for bail pending appeal before a higher court.
Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, a former Ashanti Regional Minister, said he received the news with shock and sadness.
He stressed the need for thorough investigations in cases involving political party actors and called for the elimination of partisan considerations in such trials.
Mr Osei-Mensah appealed to party supporters in the region to remain calm while the leadership of the NPP explored appropriate measures to address the matter.
Source: GNA
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