We’ve Found 20 Grounds to Overturn Wontumi’s Conviction – Lawyer Vows Fierce Appeal Against 20-Year Jail Term

Lawyer Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa, counsel for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, says the legal team has identified 20 grounds of appeal to challenge the Ashanti Regional Chairman’s 20-year prison sentence, insisting the conviction is excessive and unsupported by the evidence.

Speaking after the ruling on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, the lawyer disclosed that Wontumi is currently at the Prisons installation awaiting the commencement of his sentence but remains hopeful that justice will prevail through the appeals process.

According to him, Wontumi has maintained his innocence throughout the trial and has remained resolute despite the setback.
“Chairman Wontumi is a strong person. Even in adversity, he encouraged people to stay calm and work hard to bring his party to power. He has always believed he is innocent,” he said.

The lawyer also described Wontumi as a deeply religious person who believes he will emerge vindicated.
While acknowledging the authority of the court, the defence team said it disagrees with the 20-year sentence, describing it as “harsh and excessive.”

Lawyer Afoakwa argued that the judgment lacked a proper legal basis, claiming that although the law prescribes a sentence ranging from 15 to 25 years for such offences, Wontumi’s status as a first-time offender should have warranted the minimum sentence.

He further dismissed claims that Wontumi’s lawyers failed him during the trial, insisting the defence mounted a robust case.
“Anyone who says the lawyers didn’t help Wontumi should first review the entire trial proceedings. Such claims are entirely disingenuous,” he stated.

Explaining the decision to appeal, he said an appellate court can overturn a conviction where the evidence does not support the verdict, where there has been a miscarriage of justice, or where there are clear legal errors on the face of the record.

According to him, lawyer Atta Akyea has already identified 20 separate grounds of appeal, which the team believes justify challenging the conviction.

He concluded by urging the public to avoid rushing to judgment without reviewing the full trial record, adding that in a democracy, disputes should be settled through the courts rather than public outrage.

By Maurice Otoo