The Accra High Court’s 59-page judgment sentencing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison has detailed the
The Accra High Court’s 59-page judgment sentencing Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to 20 years in prison has detailed the court’s reasons for finding him guilty in the Samreboi mining case.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court, held that the prosecution had established its case against Mr Antwi-Boasiako, leading to the imposition of a 20-year custodial sentence.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment should the fine not be paid. The custodial sentence and the default sentence are to run concurrently.
The court also considered the seriousness of the offences and the need for deterrence, particularly in the context of illegal mining, which has become a major environmental and national concern.
Justice Kocuvie-Tay’s ruling explained why the offences attracted a custodial sentence within the range prescribed by law, noting that the relevant legislation provides for significant punishment for such violations.
Click below to read the full judgment:
COMMENTS