Wontumi Was the Target, Not the Real Culprit – Ex-Lawyer Breaks Silence, Urges Appeal Against 20-Year Jail Term

Former legal counsel for Charles Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has questioned the basis of his former client’s conviction and 20-year prison sentence, arguing that the punishment raises serious legal concerns and should be challenged on appeal.

In an exclusive interview after the judgment, lawyer Ohene Amankwaa Gyan described the conviction as a “sad day,” saying he was deeply disappointed by the outcome.
“I have heard people celebrate the conviction as a deterrent to illegal mining, but I question whether the actual culprit has been punished,” he said.

The lawyer queried the presence of the man who at the court openly admitted involvement in activities linked to the Samleboi enclave, he believes there are unanswered questions about whether the real perpetrators of the alleged illegal mining operations were held accountable.

He further questioned whether his former client had become the main target of the prosecution.
“Does it mean Wontumi was the target rather than the real culprit? Does it mean other persons could go untouched just to incriminate him,” he stated.

Ohene Amankwaa Gyan revealed that he is dissatisfied with the court’s judgment and has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

He disclosed that while he was still part of the defence team, they filed an appeal after the trial judge issued a submission of no case to answer, but said the application had not yet been determined.

Expressing optimism, the lawyer said a fresh appeal could produce a favourable outcome if pursued diligently.
Addressing claims that he withdrew from the case because he anticipated defeat, the former counsel dismissed the speculation, insisting that no lawyer could predict a judge’s final decision.
He explained that his withdrawal was solely based on his client’s own decision and not because he foresaw a losing case.

He added that any appeal would likely challenge both the conviction and the sentence, with possible outcomes including the quashing of the conviction, a reduction of the prison term, or even an enhancement of the sentence, depending on the appellate court’s findings.
Despite the uncertainty, the former lawyer maintained that he remains hopeful Wontumi could obtain a positive outcome if his lawyers proceed with an appeal. has advised Wontumi’s current legal team to file an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence.

He disclosed that while he was still part of the defence team, they filed an appeal after the trial judge dismissed their submission of no case to answer, but said the application had not yet been determined.
Expressing optimism, the lawyer said a fresh appeal could produce a favourable outcome if pursued diligently.

Addressing claims that he withdrew from the case because he anticipated defeat, the former counsel dismissed the speculation, insisting that no lawyer could predict a judge’s final decision.
He explained that his withdrawal was solely based on his client’s own decision and not because he foresaw a losing case.

He added that any appeal would likely challenge both the conviction and the sentence, with possible outcomes including the quashing of the conviction, a reduction of the prison term, or even an enhancement of the sentence, depending on the appellate court’s findings.
Despite the uncertainty, the former lawyer maintained that he remains hopeful Wontumi could obtain a positive outcome if his lawyers proceed with an appeal.