The Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies (AISS), Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere, has described the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a significant victory for the rule of law.
Speaking on Gold Morning Conversation with Sena Nombo on Tuesday, Dr. Okyere maintained that the conviction was based on compelling evidence rather than political considerations.
“The evidence was overwhelming. This is a victory for the rule of law,” he said.
Responding to claims by the Minority that the prosecution was politically motivated and selectively targeted opposition figures, Dr. Okyere argued that such assertions were misplaced.
According to him, the argument advanced by the Minority implicitly acknowledged that other individuals may also have engaged in illegal mining activities and should equally be investigated and prosecuted where evidence exists.
He insisted that allegations of selective justice should not be used to undermine ongoing judicial processes, stressing that the law must be allowed to take its course.
Dr. Okyere further rejected suggestions that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction was politically driven, arguing that any public official or politically exposed person found to have engaged in illegal mining should face prosecution if sufficient evidence is established.
“That is the best way of tackling illegal mining,” he stated.
The AISS Executive Director also criticised what he described as the NPP’s contradictory position on the fight against illegal mining.
“The NPP are not learning. They accuse government of galamsey yet defend someone charged with it. That shows they are not ready for power,” he said.
Dr. Okyere further advised that if Chairman Wontumi believes there are legal grounds to challenge the conviction, the appropriate course of action is to pursue an appeal through the courts rather than through political commentary by party officials or Minority Members of Parliament.
“They should respect the people of Samreboi instead of playing partisan politics,” he added
Story by: Ruth Quaye
