Wontumi sentence is severe and raises questions of fairness — John Peter Amewu

Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, has described the 20-year prison sentence handed to Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as "severe" and "shocking", saying it raises legitimate questions about proportionality, fairness and the administration of justice.

As a citizen of Ghana, a former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, and a longstanding member of the New Patriotic Party tradition, I wish to state clearly that I respect the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the constitutional processes available to every citizen.

Mr Amewu extended his support to Chairman Wontumi, his family, the Ashanti Regional leadership of the NPP and the wider party, while calling on Ghanaians to reflect on the country's justice system.