Andy Appiah-Kubi, a former lawyer of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed that Wontumi had prior knowledge of his conviction in the Samreboi illegal mining case. Speaking on Accra-based TV3, Appiah-Kubi stated that Wontumi had even shared details of the expected judgment with him before the court's decision was announced.
Wontumi's Anticipation
According to Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi had informed him that he would be jailed for 20 years. However, Appiah-Kubi disagreed with the prison sentence, arguing that the court erred in law by treating Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining as one and the same. He stated that the evidence presented during the trial did not justify the court's conclusion.
The Appeal
Appiah-Kubi indicated that the issue would form a key part of the appeal against the conviction. He added that Wontumi had instructed him earlier that day to file an appeal should the court convict him. The appeal is expected to focus on the company law aspect, which Appiah-Kubi believes was misapplied in the judgment.
The Court's Decision
On July 20, the Accra High Court sentenced Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted on illegal mining-related offences. In her 59-page judgment, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay said the sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent and underscore the seriousness of environmental crimes. The judge noted that the offences undermined Ghana's mining regulatory framework and contributed to environmental destruction.
Reactions to the Conviction
Appiah-Kubi's revelation has sparked reactions from various quarters. While some have questioned the timing of Appiah-Kubi's statement, others have expressed concerns about the potential implications of Wontumi's conviction. As the appeal process begins, it remains to be seen whether Wontumi's conviction will stand or be overturned.
The case is a significant one, highlighting the gravity of environmental crimes in Ghana. The conviction of Wontumi, a high-profile figure, serves as a reminder of the need for accountability in the country's mining sector. As the appeal process unfolds, one thing is certain: the fate of Wontumi's conviction will have far-reaching implications for the NPP and the country's mining industry.
Source: Joy Online
