The legal team representing NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is preparing to challenge his 20-year prison sentence, with a notice of appeal expected to be filed next week.
Lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea said the defence had already prepared the grounds of appeal and was currently reviewing the legal arguments before formally commencing the process.
Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, July 21, Mr Atta Akyea said the lawyers would move quickly once the review of the grounds was completed.
He said the defence believed there were several grounds on which the High Court’s decision could be challenged.
“We’ve already put together our grounds of appeal, and it’s under consideration. Immediately the conclave agrees that what we have put together is very sound, we shouldn’t waste time. I’m tempted to believe that, at the latest by next week, we should file a notice of appeal,” he said.
The legal challenge is expected to raise constitutional questions, concerns over the treatment of prosecution witnesses and issues relating to the court’s interpretation of the alleged assignment of mineral rights.
Mr Atta Akyea also confirmed that he was open to collaborating with the NPP’s legal team in pursuing the appeal.
He said a broader team of lawyers could strengthen the legal strategy and improve the quality of the arguments presented before the appellate court.
The development follows the High Court’s conviction of Chairman Wontumi on two counts in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case.
The court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The offences relate to the alleged unlawful assignment of mineral rights without the approval of the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources and the facilitation of illegal mining activities on Akonta Mining Limited’s Samreboi concession.
The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on Wontumi for each count.
Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.
The expected appeal will now shift the case to the appellate process, where the defence is expected to challenge the legal basis of the conviction and the interpretation of the evidence relied upon by the High Court.
