Galamsey: Wontumi should not be made a sacrificial lamb to deter others - Atta Akyea

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. His lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, stated that the 20-year prison sentence will be challenged on appeal, describing the punishment as excessively harsh and arguing that deterrence alone cannot justify such a lengthy custodial term. Atta Akyea criticized the trial judge's reliance on deterrence in sentencing, insisting that Wontumi should not be singled out to send a broader message against illegal mining. He stated, "The judge said something you should pay attention to deterrence. You cannot use Wontumi as a sacrificial lamb to address a larger problem."

Atta Akyea confirmed that the severity of the sentence would form a central ground of appeal, stating, "Oh yes, indeed. It's too harsh. It's very harsh." He dismissed claims that his absence from court on the day judgment was delivered affected the outcome, saying his presence would not have altered the judge's decision. He explained, "I couldn't have improved upon the law if I were in court. The judge was ready to deliver the decision and had indicated she would not defer it."