Wontumi’s apology must be judged on genuineness– NDC communicator

A member of the NDC Communications Team in the Navrongo Central Constituency, Thomas Adechonga Akwolaga, says the apology rendered by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, must be assessed based on its genuineness and not only accepted because it is an apology.

He believes although an apology is a positive step because it shows that a person has reflected on their actions, the timing and circumstances surrounding Wontumi’s apology raise questions about whether it was motivated by true remorse or a desire to secure presidential pardon.

Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Mike FM on Wednesday, July 29, Akwolaga said remorse is an important part of the reform process for convicted persons, but it should not automatically translate into freedom from a sentence imposed by a court.

“An apology means someone has admitted wrongdoing or some kind of infringement. So once you realise that something was done wrong, then you apologise. But once you are even having good reasons for your action, the apology flies in the face of sound judgment.” He explained.

He explained that the purpose of imprisonment is not only punishment but also to reform individuals and protect society, adding that genuine remorse should come with evidence of behavioural change.

According to Akwolaga while President John Dramani Mahama has the constitutional authority to grant pardon, such decisions must consider the seriousness of the offence, the impact on society and whether releasing the person would serve the public interest.

“Remorse is actually the first step in that reformation process because anybody who is not remorseful means that he may even double up whatever actions took him to court in the first place.” he said.

He argued that in Wontumi’s situation, the apology appears unrelated to the offence for which he was convicted, because it was directed at comments made against President Mahama and the First Lady during the 2024 election campaign.

He said if the apology was connected to the illegal mining-related conviction, Wontumi would have acknowledged the environmental impact of activities carried out on his concession and expressed regret over the damage caused.

“If his plea was that, ‘I have caused damage to the environment, but it was not intentional, forgive me, Mr President, then we could begin to take this matter and put it at the right place. But as it stands, his apology was for the kind of verbal attacks that were made on the President and his family.” He suggested.

The NDC communicator also rejected claims that Wontumi’s case represents political persecution, arguing that Ghana’s justice system allows anyone accused of wrongdoing to defend themselves in court.

Akwolaga said holding people accountable for their actions is part of democracy and that political affiliation should not determine whether someone faces the law.

Akwolaga further cautioned against giving special treatment to politicians or influential individuals when ordinary citizens serving prison sentences do not receive similar attention.

He added that while Wontumi has the right to apologise, any decision on a possible pardon must be based on fairness and equal application of the law to all citizens.

Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama

Maseda Spices