Palgrave Boakye Danquah, spokesperson for incarcerated former Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has expressed concern over his detention. According to her, Wontumi is currently serving his sentence at the Nsawam Prison. Boakye Danquah made these comments on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, a local radio show. She stated that contrary to speculation by some people, Wontumi is indeed in prison.
Boakye Danquah revealed that Wontumi was taken to prison immediately after all legal processes were completed on the day he was sentenced. Typically, prisoners are given about a week to put their affairs in order before beginning their sentences. However, Wontumi had no such grace period. As a result, he would soon have served three months in prison. The spokesperson expressed worry about Wontumi's continued detention, emphasizing that his imprisonment was unjust.
According to Boakye Danquah, Wontumi's lawyers had filed an appeal against the sentence. The appeal is set to be heard in court the following week. Boakye Danquah questioned the circumstances surrounding Wontumi's imprisonment, stating that "what sent Wontumi to Nsawam was no case." The spokesperson's comments have drawn attention to Wontumi's situation, which has sparked debate among the public.
Boakye Danquah also expressed disappointment over an incident that occurred during the legal vacation. A Zoom hearing had been conducted, during which the judge heard nine cases. However, when it was Wontumi's turn, the judge claimed to be sick and adjourned the session. The spokesperson described the incident as unfortunate and raised concerns about the fairness of the judicial process.
The comments by Boakye Danquah come on the heels of President John Dramani Mahama's recent decision to grant presidential pardons to some convicts. As part of a special exercise, President Mahama announced clemency for 863 convicted persons nationwide. The announcement has sparked interest in several high-profile figures who may have been considered for pardons, including Wontumi.
Wontumi's case is still before the courts, and his spokesperson hopes that the ongoing legal process will provide an opportunity for the matter to be reviewed. Boakye Danquah expressed sadness over Wontumi's situation, stating that she is "really sad all this is happening." The spokesperson remains optimistic that the appeal will be successful and Wontumi's sentence will be reconsidered.
The development has raised questions about the treatment of high-profile individuals within Ghana's justice system. Wontumi's detention has sparked debate among the public, with many calling for a review of his case. As the appeal process unfolds, many will be watching to see if Wontumi's sentence will be commuted or if he will be granted a pardon.
Key points
- Wontumi's spokesperson, Palgrave Boakye Danquah, says he is unhappy with his detention at Nsawam Prison.
- Wontumi was taken to prison immediately after being sentenced, with no grace period to put his affairs in order.
- An appeal has been filed against Wontumi's sentence, which is set to be heard in court the following week.
