Wontumi Is Not a Political Prisoner; Court’s Ruling Was Fair, Says Prof. Appiagyei Atua

Professor of International Law Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua has rejected suggestions that New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is a political prisoner.

Wontumi was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison over illegal mining activities. Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews on Saturday, Prof Atua said his review of portions of the court's judgment convinced him that the trial was fairly conducted and the decision was based on the evidence presented.

Wontumi's Case Not a Case of Political Prisoners

According to Prof Appiagyei Atua, the concept of a political prisoner applies to individuals who are persecuted or imprisoned for expressing political views, advocating for democracy or human rights, or challenging those in power—not for committing criminal offences.

"If you are a political prisoner, it means that you have not committed any offence and that you have come up with some thoughts and ideas that challenge the powers that be and therefore you are speaking truth to power and you are challenging orthodoxy… and therefore you are being silenced," Prof Appiagyei Atua explained.

He added that such individuals are targeted because of their political beliefs rather than any criminal conduct.

"That is where, whether they put you in prison or they try to hound you or they try to force you out of the country into exile, that is where you can talk about somebody as a political prisoner," Prof Appiagyei Atua said.

NPP's Conclusion Criticized

Prof Appiagyei Atua also criticized the NPP for describing Wontumi as a political prisoner following his conviction.

"I think NPP went below the belt by drawing that conclusion," Prof Appiagyei Atua said.

He maintained that the trial judge exercised considerable care in arriving at the verdict, particularly because of the political sensitivity surrounding the case.

Decision Was Fair and Square

Prof Appiagyei Atua commended the judge for thoroughly evaluating the evidence before delivering the ruling.

"In my opinion, the decision was fair and square. It is a very good decision and the judge took time, I think probably because of the political context in which the decision and the case came about," Prof Appiagyei Atua said.

He praised the judge for making sure that all the evidence was tested and the decision that she came to is, "I think, a decision that should be applauded."

Conclusion

Prof Appiagyei Atua's comments come as the NPP continues to face backlash over its handling of Wontumi's case. While some have criticized the party for drawing a conclusion that Wontumi is a political prisoner, others have argued that the conviction and sentence were unfair. The debate is set to continue, with many calling for a thorough review of the case.

Source: JOY