The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has rejected social media claims linking its Deputy Commissioner, Mrs Mercy Larbi, to the High Court proceedings that resulted in the 20-year prison sentence imposed on New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
According to CHRAJ, a photograph of Mrs Larbi was circulated alongside claims that she was the judge who presided over the case and sentenced Chairman Wontumi.
In a disclaimer issued on Wednesday, July 22, the Commission described the claims as false and misleading, stressing that Mrs Larbi did not preside over the proceedings and had no connection to the sentencing decision.
“The publication and circulation of her photograph in connection with the sentence are false, misleading, and without factual basis,” CHRAJ stated.
The Commission said the publication could mislead the public, undermine confidence in the justice system and expose its Deputy Commissioner to unwarranted criticism and reputational damage.
It has therefore urged the public to disregard the claims and refrain from further sharing or reproducing the publication.
CHRAJ further called on media organisations, bloggers and content creators to verify information from credible and official sources before publishing material concerning public officials and judicial proceedings.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its integrity, independence and impartiality in the discharge of its mandate.
The clarification comes after the High Court in Accra sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case, with the sentences to run concurrently.
He was also fined 10,000 penalty units on each count, while Akonta Mining Limited, which was convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.
The case was presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who found that the prosecution had proven the essential elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
