Wontumi's 20-year sentence raises concerns about proportionality and fairness — Amewu

Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John-Peter Amewu, has expressed solidarity with the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his conviction and 20-year custodial sentence.

Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited and the second accused, Kwame Antwi, who remains at large, were convicted on six counts relating to the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and purposely facilitating unlicensed mining operations within Akonta Mining's concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

An Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie Tay, on Monday, July 20, sentenced Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, with an additional three-year custodial sentence in default of payment.

The NPP has since announced its decision to appeal the judgment, describing it as politically-motivated.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, the former Hohoe Member of Parliament said although he respects the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the severity of the sentence warrants public concern over fairness and proportionality.

"Respect for the rule of law also includes the right to express concern where a sentence appears severe, shocking, or capable of raising legitimate questions about proportionality, fairness, and the broader administration of justice," he stated.

The former Lands Minister said his support for Chairman Wontumi stems from both their long-standing political relationship and his belief that the legal process should be allowed to run its full course through the appellate system.

Even though he acknowledged that illegal mining remains a serious threat to Ghana's environment and must be tackled decisively, Amewu stressed that the fight against the menace should be conducted within the principles of justice, due process and political neutrality.

"My solidarity with Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako is not a rejection of the rule of law. Rather, it is a call for the rule of law to operate fully, fairly, transparently, and proportionately," he said.