Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has made a disturbing revelation, claiming that threats against his life have intensified following the conviction and imprisonment of former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, August 17, Srem-Sai confirmed that he has personally received death threats and said the situation has worsened since Wontumi’s high-profile conviction.
According to the Deputy Attorney-General, the threats have not been directed at him alone. He disclosed that two key prosecution witnesses and police investigators connected to the case have also allegedly been threatened.
Srem-Sai said the two prosecution witnesses have now been provided with police protection because of concerns about their safety. He added that prosecutors, investigators and even judges handling serious criminal cases sometimes face similar intimidation.
Despite the alarming development, Srem-Sai indicated that he does not believe every threat should automatically be publicized, arguing that doing so could potentially encourage individuals to use intimidation as a way of interfering with law enforcement. He stressed, however, that he takes threats against his life seriously.
The development comes weeks after an Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years in prison over illegal mining-related offences involving Akonta Mining Limited and activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The sentences imposed on the offences are running concurrently.
Wontumi has challenged the conviction and is pursuing an appeal, while his legal team has also sought bail pending the determination of the appeal.
Srem-Sai said physical security measures are available but acknowledged that protection can never eliminate every possible threat. He said his faith also plays an important role in helping him deal with concerns about his personal safety.
The revelation adds another dramatic chapter to a case that has already generated intense political and legal debate across Ghana, with Wontumi’s conviction continuing to attract reactions from both government and opposition figures.
