Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Eric Agyei, has described the conviction and sentencing of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a reminder that political office comes with accountability.
According to him, the case should serve as a cautionary tale for politicians on the responsible use of power, stressing that no public office holder is beyond accountability.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Agyei said every leader should govern with the understanding that their actions could one day be scrutinised.
“As we are serving the country, let’s put it in our heads that there will be accountability. This will not be the first political prosecution. When you are in a position of power, whatever you choose to do will affect you in the future one way or another,” he said.
He urged the NPP to pursue any grievances over the court’s ruling through the legal process rather than politicising the matter.
“The NPP should sit as a party, brainstorm and go through the legal route. Whatever is going on is a legal matter,” he stated.
Mr. Agyei also cautioned public officials against abusing influence or relying on powerful connections while in office.
“When we are in leadership, we should be honest and truthful. Even if you have favour with people in higher institutions, be careful how you use it. What has happened should be a case study for all politicians. Know that one day you will be accountable to Ghanaians,” he said.
He further argued that the tougher penalties imposed under Ghana’s mining laws were introduced by the previous NPP administration and should remind political leaders of the long-term consequences of legislative decisions.
“This is the NPP’s punishment for amending the mining law and increasing the punishment from five years to between 15 and 25 years,” he remarked.
Despite his comments, Mr. Agyei said he did not wish Chairman Wontumi any ill, adding that the case should instead reinforce the need for integrity and principle in public service.
“No one wishes Wontumi bad. We should be principled even when we need favours from leadership,” he added.
His remarks come after the Accra High Court, Criminal Court 4, sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty in the illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The court convicted Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person, Kwame Antwi, over unlawful mining activities on the company’s concession.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid. The custodial sentence and the default term attached to the fine will run concurrently.
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