Former Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has expressed disappointment over the court's decision to convict and sentence New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over the Samreboi illegal mining case.

His comments come after the Accra High Court sentenced the Ashanti Regional Chairman to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence on Monday, July 20.

The court also 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.

Dr Boakye-Danquah, speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosiisen show, said the outcome was unexpected because, in his view, the evidence presented by the defence team did not establish that Chairman Wontumi was personally involved in illegal mining activities.

• READ ALSO: Chairman Wontumi sentenced to 20 years in prison

"We did not expect this outcome because, based on the evidence we provided, it was clear that there was nothing presented in court that showed Chairman Wontumi was personally involved in illegal mining throughout the proceedings," he said.

According to Dr Boakye-Danquah, the defence had been optimistic that an application filed at the Supreme Court would influence the court's consideration of the matter before judgment was delivered.

"We were therefore very hopeful that, considering the application that was filed at the Supreme Court, Her Ladyship would take her time to consider the matter. Unfortunately, she did not agree with our position and went ahead to deliver her judgment," he stated.

The former government spokesperson described the verdict as disappointing and suggested that the case could be viewed within the context of political victimisation.

"It is very sad. It feels like a form of political victimisation of a politically exposed individual," he said.

Dr Boakye-Danquah stressed that Chairman Wontumi was not an ordinary individual but a prominent political figure whose position carries significant importance within the NPP.

"We are not talking about just any other person; we are talking about the sitting Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, the stronghold of the party and the largest opposition party," he added.

While expressing disappointment with the judgment, Dr Boakye-Danquah questioned whether similar legal action would be taken against other individuals alleged to have links to illegal mining activities.

"If this is the direction we are taking, while we know that there are others who are actively involved in galamsey, then we will wait and see how things unfold," he said.

He called for fairness and consistency in the fight against illegal mining, adding that the country must ensure that accountability applies equally to all individuals regardless of their political affiliation or status.

"We can only hope and pray that our country can come together and find its way forward," he said.

Dr Boakye-Danquah also defended Chairman Wontumi's conduct throughout the legal proceedings, describing him as cooperative and respectful of the judicial process.

He said the NPP chairman had consistently appeared before the court and complied with all requirements during the trial.

"Chairman Wontumi has been law-abiding throughout this case. There was not a single day that he failed to appear in court. We have been very cooperative with the court and followed due process," he said.

He revealed that he had recently met with Chairman Wontumi before the former was taken into custody following the court's decision.

"I have just parted ways with him, and he is being taken to Nsawam. How did we get to this stage in this country?" he questioned.

The party's leadership, including its flagbearer and legal team, has indicated that it is reviewing the judgment before announcing its next course of action.