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NDC communication team member Ebenezer Opoku defends court's decision in Samreboi galamsey case involving Chairman Wontumi
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Ebenezer Opoku, a member of the National Democratic Congress NDC Communication Team, has defended the court's ruling in the Samreboi galamsey case. Opoku stated that the evidence presented during the trial supported the allegations against Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi. Speaking on Oyerepa Radio, Opoku asserted that the prosecution's case was substantiated by testimony linking the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman to illegal mining activities. He claimed a key witness testified that Wontumi granted him access to a mining concession with instructions for galamsey operations and subsequent land reclamation. Opoku urged the public to respect the court's decision, which he said was based on evidence and testimony, and to avoid partisan interpretations of the case's outcome.
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Must ReadDr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, a political analyst and University of Cape Coast lecturer, stated that the 20-year prison sentence for Benard Antwi Bosiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party NPP, will significantly affect the party. Wontumi was convicted on illegal mining-related charges. Dr. Otchere, speaking on TV3's Ghana Tonight, explained that Wontumi's influence, particularly among grassroots supporters in the Ashanti Region, makes his absence a major concern for the NPP. He noted that Wontumi's energetic personality and unique approach to mobilizing supporters helped him connect with the grassroots. Dr. Otchere indicated that Wontumi's incarceration would hinder the party's morale, financial aspects, and mobilization efforts in the region. An Accra High Court sentenced Wontumi to 20 years for assigning mineral rights granted to his company, Akonta Mining Limited, to two individuals, Michael Gyedu Ayisi and Henry Okum, without ministerial approval. He was also fined GH垄120,000 for each offense, with an additional three years in prison with hard labor if the fine is not paid. The sentences are to run concurrently.
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