Former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has stated that he feels sorry for appointees of the John Dramani Mahama-led government following the conviction of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

According to the former Tarkwa-Nsuaem Member of Parliament, the judgment against Wontumi sets a troubling precedent within the legal system.

He urged Mahama’s appointees to take note of the case, warning that a similar situation could confront them in the future.

He argued that the facts presented before the court that led to Wontumi’s conviction and imprisonment are concerning.

Speaking during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo, excerpts of which have been shared on social media, Mireku Duker said, “We have to be careful with the way we do things as a country because, for me, taking Wontumi’s case as an example.

“I cry for those who have been employed in this government because of their future. I am very sad for them because today it is Wontumi, and tomorrow it could be them. If someone can be jailed based on circumstantial evidence, then we need to critique it, take our time and analyze it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Criminal Court 4 of the High Court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, found Chairman Wontumi guilty on all six charges brought against him under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 995).

The court sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment, with all custodial terms to run concurrently. In addition, he was fined 10,000 penalty units on each of the six counts.

Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.

US court sentences ‘The Enterprise Chairman’ Van Yeboah to 7 years’ imprisonment

According to the prosecution, Chairman Wontumi unlawfully assigned mineral rights on Akonta Mining’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region without the approval of the sector minister.

He was also accused of facilitating unauthorized mining activities on the concession.



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