Enoch Afoakwa, the lawyer and legal counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi has reacted to his client’s 20-year prison sentence, describing the punishment as “mind-boggling.”
Speaking to journalists as he exited the courtroom after the final verdict, Afoakwa argued that the sentence was excessive given his client’s personal circumstances.
“Wontumi’s 20-year imprisonment is mind-boggling.” — Enoch Afoakwa, Chairman Wontumi’s legal counsel
The lawyer emphasized that Chairman Wontumi is a married man and the breadwinner of his family, suggesting that the court should have considered these factors in determining the appropriate sentence.
According to Afoakwa, while the offense of illegal mining is serious, the punishment should reflect the individual’s role in society and family responsibilities.
He also expressed worry over the court’s final judgement, stating that he expected the court to be lenient in sentencing him because Wontumi has no past convictions.
Kwame Andy Appiah Kubi, Wontumi’s former lawyer, also expressed his discontent with the court ruling, alleging that his former client has asked him to challenge the 20-year jail term imposed on him.
His comments have sparked widespread debate about the proportionality of sentences for illegal mining offenses in Ghana.
ALSO READ: Why Chairman Wontumi Was Arrested: Full Details About His Charges & Allegations Explained
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison for each of the two counts on which he was convicted in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
In addition, the court fined Wontumi 10,000 penalty units for each count (totaling GHS120,000).
Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units for each count.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay found Wontumi guilty on Counts One and Four, while Akonta Mining Limited was convicted on Counts Three and Six, after ruling that the prosecution had proven all the essential elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
The judgment was delivered by the Criminal Court 4 Division of the High Court in Accra, which is handling the case involving Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited, and another accused person, Kwame Antwi.
SOURCE: Hellovybes.com
