The spokesperson for incarcerated former Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, says he is unhappy with his current situation.
According to the spokesperson, contrary to speculation by some members of the public, Chairman Wontumi is currently serving his sentence at the Nsawam Prison.
“People still don’t believe Chairman Wontumi is in prison, but the truth is he is there and not happy with where he is,” he said.
Speaking in an interview, Dr Boakye Danquah said Chairman Wontumi was taken to prison immediately after all legal processes were completed on the day he was sentenced.
“On the day he was sentenced, he went straight to Nsawam prison after all the processes were completed,” she said.
He explained that he understood prisoners are usually given about a week to put their affairs in order before beginning their sentences.
“However, Wontumi had no grace period, and very soon, he would have served three months in prison,” he said while expressing concern about his continued detention.
“What sent Wontumi to Nsawam was no case,” he said, insisting that his lawyers had filed an appeal against the sentence.
“We have filed an appeal, and by next week, we will go to court,” he added.
Dr Boakye further expressed concern about an incident involving Wontumi during the legal vacation.
“During the legal vacation, there was a Zoom hearing, and the judge heard nine cases. Wontumi was the 10th person, but just when it got to his turn, the judge said he was sick and closed,” she said.
Palgrave said she was saddened by Wontumi’s situation and expressed hope that the ongoing legal process would provide an opportunity for the matter to be reviewed.
“I am really sad all this is happening,” she said.
His comments come after President John Dramani Mahama recently granted presidential pardons to a number of convicted persons.
President Mahama announced the clemency as part of a special exercise covering 863 convicted persons across the country.
The decision has since drawn attention to several high-profile cases, including that of Wontumi, whose legal proceedings are still ongoing.