Legal expert explains conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi in illegal mining case

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has clarified the legal basis for the Accra High Court's conviction of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, for illegal mining. Kpebu stated that the conviction was rooted in a law that holds individuals accountable for facilitating, permitting, or aiding others in illegal mining. He highlighted the prosecution's evidence, particularly the testimony of Henry Okum, who admitted to mining on the concession. Kpebu explained that the law is broadly framed to prevent individuals from evading responsibility by using others for illegal mining. He noted that the law targets not only those directly involved in mining but also those who enable such activities. Kpebu argued that Wontumi facilitated illegal mining by allowing people to mine on the concession. He also pointed out that the absence of a written agreement weakened Wontumi's defense, as it left the court with conflicting accounts: Wontumi's claim of land reclamation and Okum's testimony of permission to mine. Kpebu emphasized that Okum's testimony remained credible as it was not discredited during cross-examination. He also discussed the court's use of circumstantial evidence, which is permissible if reliable enough to lead to a single conclusion of guilt. Kpebu likened circumstantial evidence to broomsticks, where multiple reliable pieces form a strong case. He added that Chairman Wontumi's admission of granting