I Knew My Fate: Ex-Judgeship Aspirant Spills Shocking Truth About His Conviction

Andy Appiah-Kubi, a private legal practitioner and former lawyer for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, has made a shocking revelation about the Samreboi illegal mining case. Appiah-Kubi claimed that Wontumi had prior knowledge of his conviction before appearing in court on July 20.

Wontumi Had Prior Knowledge of Conviction

Speaking on Accra-based TV3, Appiah-Kubi stated that Wontumi had informed him about the expected judgment, including the 20-year prison sentence. "Chairman Wontumi had prior information that he would be convicted. He told me the content of the judgment. He told me that he will be jailed for twenty years," Appiah-Kubi said.

The lawyer, however, disagreed with the 20-year prison sentence, arguing that the court erred in law by treating Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining as one and the same. According to Appiah-Kubi, the evidence presented during the trial did not justify the court's conclusion. "The evidence on the ground does not support the judgment. Per the company law, the company is different from the owner or shareholder," he said.

Appeal Against Conviction

Appiah-Kubi indicated that the issue would form a key part of the appeal against the conviction. "This will form the basis of our appeal," he added. He further disclosed that because Chairman Wontumi anticipated the outcome of the case, he had instructed him earlier that day to file an appeal should the court convict him.

The case involves Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining, which were convicted on illegal mining-related offences. The Accra High Court sentenced Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour on July 20. In her 59-page judgment, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay said the sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent and underscore the seriousness of environmental crimes.

Context of Environmental Crimes

The conviction of Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining is part of a broader crackdown on environmental crimes in Ghana. The country has been grappling with the consequences of illegal mining, including environmental degradation and loss of revenue. The government has introduced several measures to combat the issue, including the establishment of a task force to tackle illegal mining.

The judge noted that the offences undermined Ghana's mining regulatory framework and contributed to environmental destruction. "The offences in this case relate to illegal exploitation of mineral resources, which are the property of the state. The conduct of the 1st and 3rd accused persons undermines the regulatory framework for the mining sector and contributes to environmental degradation associated with illegal mining," Justice Kocuvie-Tay wrote.

Reaction to Conviction

The conviction of Chairman Wontumi has sparked a mix of reactions, with some hailing it as a major victory against environmental crimes. Others have criticized the sentence, arguing that it is too harsh. Appiah-Kubi's revelation has added a new dimension to the case, raising questions about the fairness of the trial and the role of prior knowledge in the conviction.

The case is set to continue with an appeal against the conviction. The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched, not only in Ghana but also globally, as it has implications for the fight against environmental crimes.

Source: Joy Online