Wontumi was the kingpin, not the underlings – Martin Kpebu

For that reason, he maintained that using the two men as prosecution witnesses to secure a conviction against Wontumi was consistent with the broader objective of targeting those believed to be directing illegal mining activities.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, Mr Kpebu said the outcome should be viewed in the context of the state’s stated objective of dismantling the leadership behind illegal mining operations.

The conviction has sparked widespread debate, particularly because two individuals who admitted during the trial that they were involved in the illegal mining activities testified as prosecution witnesses and were not prosecuted.