Tensions Escalate As Two Star Witnesses In Chairman Wontumi Case Get Placed Under Police Protection Amid Death Threats

Two key prosecution witnesses in the case involving former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have been placed under police protection following reported death threats.

Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai revealed that the threats have intensified since Wontumi’s conviction, with prosecution witnesses, police investigators, and members of the legal team reportedly targeted.

He assured that the threats are being taken seriously, with authorities working to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the case.

Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, were convicted last month on six counts relating to the unlawful assignment of mineral rights and facilitating unlicensed mining at the company’s concession in Samreboi, Western Region.

He was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour and fined 10,000 penalty units. The NPP has maintained the conviction was politically motivated and has vowed to appeal.

The reported threats add a troubling new dimension to a case that has already drawn intense political attention, with the state now facing the added challenge of protecting those who testified against one of the NPP’s most influential regional figures.