Former legal counsel for Charles Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has questioned the basis of his former client’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment raises serious legal concerns and should be challenged on appeal.
In an exclusive interview after the judgment, lawyer Ohene Amankwaa Gyan described the conviction as a “sad day,” saying he was deeply disappointed by the outcome.
“I have heard people celebrate the conviction as a deterrent to illegal mining, but I question whether the actual culprit has been punished,” he said.
The lawyer queried the presence of the man who at the court openly admitted involvement in activities linked to the Samleboi enclave, he believes there are unanswered questions about whether the real perpetrators of the alleged illegal mining operations were held accountable.
He further questioned whether his former client had become the main target of the prosecution.
“Does it mean Wontumi was the target rather than the real culprit? Does it mean other persons could go untouched just to incriminate him,” he stated.
Ohene Amankwaa Gyan revealed that he is dissatisfied with the court’s judgment “Wontumi Was the Target, Not the Real Culprit” – Ex-Lawyer Breaks Silence, Urges Appeal Against 20-Year Jail Term
By News Desk
Former legal counsel for Charles Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has questioned the basis of his former client’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment raises serious legal concerns and should be challenged on appeal.
Speaking after the judgment, lawyer Ohene Amankwaa Gyan described the conviction as a “sad day,” saying he was deeply disappointed by the outcome.
“I have heard people celebrate the conviction as a deterrent to illegal mining, but I question whether the actual culprit has been punished,” he said.
According to the lawyer, although Wontumi openly admitted involvement in activities linked to the Sankuboi enclave, he believes there are unanswered questions about whether the real perpetrators of the alleged illegal mining operations were held accountable.
He further questioned whether his former client had become the main target of the prosecution.
“Does it mean Wontumi was the target rather than the real culprit? Any other person could go untouched just to incriminate him,” he stated.
Ohene Amankwaa Gyan revealed that he is dissatisfied with the court’s judgment and has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence
