The Convener for the Justice and Accountability Forum, Nana Bonsu, has welcomed the 20-year prison sentence handed down to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over illegal mining activities, describing it as fair, firm, and in accordance with the law.
He stated that the case went through the due legal processes as expected, with Wontumi given every opportunity to defend himself.
Appearing on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he noted that the presiding judge demonstrated absolute fidelity to the law, which stipulates that the maximum sentence should not exceed twenty-five years.
He stated that the law has taken its course and Ghanaians must draw bitter lessons from what has transpired.
The tax advocate argued that the charges brought against Wontumi were serious in nature and violated the laws of Ghana, meaning there was no need to politicise either the issues or the sentencing.
“Wontumi engaged in acts against the laws of Ghana and he was prosecuted in accordance with the law. He was granted an opportunity to defend himself. Jailing Wontumi will not put money in anyone’s pocket, but he offended the law and has faced the music. It is not the usual partisan political debate by the NDC and NPP. This is a man who offended our laws and he has been prosecuted,” he said.
He slammed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for attempting to paint Wontumi as a political prisoner.
“The law is the law and so the press conference held by the NPP was reckless and offends the people. He engaged in these activities for his selfish interests and so he must face the music.
The NPP and NDC are both guilty of these kinds of political propaganda. It must stop immediately. We can no longer entertain these levels of recklessness and impunity. People who break our laws must be prosecuted and jailed if found guilty, regardless of their political affiliation. Ghana must remain supreme and not any political party,” he told host Kwabena Agyapong.
Nana Bonsu noted that the presiding judge was even lenient by handing him a 20-year term, adding that those describing the sentence as harsh are not being serious.
“The judge did no wrong. He gave him twenty years. The judge could have given him the maximum sentence of 25 years. The claim that he is a first offender is also ridiculous. There are several cases pending. He is being prosecuted for the Exim Bank case and other illegal mining-related offences. He got his money through criminal means and has been jailed for that, so how dare you come out and say he is a political prisoner?” he questioned.
He stressed that the ruling was entirely fair, adding, “I would also commend the Attorney-General’s Department, particularly the Deputy Attorney-General. They have done so well. They should go after all those who have wronged the state and stolen our resources.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana