WATCH: Appeal Filed Following High Court Conviction in Akonta Mining Case | Discuss Ghana

Following the judgment of the Accra High Court sentencing Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), to 20 years' imprisonment in connection with illegal mining operations involving Akonta Mining Limited, attention has shifted to the Court of Appeal.

As the case enters this new appellate phase, Chairman Wontumi retains the constitutional right under Article 19(2)(g) of the 1992 Constitution to select any legal counsel to represent him. This includes retaining lead attorney Samuel Atta Akyea, re-engaging former counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi, or constituting a new legal team.

Stakeholders and the defense team have emphasized the necessity of an expeditious appeal process to evaluate both procedural grounds and substantive law, ensuring timely judicial review while custodial sentences are served.