Two key prosecution witnesses in the case involving former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have been placed under police protection following alleged death threats.
Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai disclosed this on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, saying the threats have intensified following Wontumi’s conviction.
According to him, the two key witnesses, as well as police investigators involved in the case, have been targeted.
“Our witnesses are every day threatened with death. The two star witnesses and even the police investigators… they threaten everybody. But I think it comes with the job.”
Threats extend to prosecution team
Dr Srem-Sai also disclosed that he and members of his legal team have received threats, with the situation worsening since the conviction.
“It’s actually gone up. Our witnesses are every day threatened with death,” he said.
Asked how seriously he takes the threats, the Deputy Attorney General said every threat is treated as a serious matter.
He explained that the threats have taken different forms, including threats to kill him personally. However, he said he does not consider it necessary to publicise every incident.
According to him, giving excessive publicity to threats could create an avenue for individuals to use intimidation to frustrate the enforcement of the law.
“But I don’t think it’s important for us to because if you follow that, then it means people will use such threats to secure freedom to continue to do that which the law prevents.”
Threats affect prosecutors and judges
Dr Srem-Sai stressed that threats are not confined to the Wontumi case, noting that prosecutors, judges and lawyers involved in serious criminal matters routinely face intimidation.
“My attorneys receive such threats every day, and not only in this case, but also in other cases, murder cases, armed robbery cases. Judges receive their share of the threats. It comes with the territory.”
He said the nature of criminal prosecutions means legal practitioners and judicial officers can become targets, particularly in high-profile cases.
Srem-Sai speaks on personal security
On his own safety, Dr Srem-Sai said he relies on a combination of physical security measures and his faith.
He acknowledged that state protection provides an important layer of security but noted that there are practical limits to the level of physical protection that can be provided to individuals.
“The point I’m making is that there is a limit to how much physical protection you can get, and even that is never enough because human beings can do so many things.”
He said his faith ultimately provides him with reassurance despite the security concerns.
“So I would, for my own peace of mind and everything, discount the physical one, even though yes, it’s good, and just so I can sleep, I commit myself to the hands of the Lord.”
Witnesses receive police protection
The Deputy Attorney General confirmed that authorities have taken concrete measures to protect the two key prosecution witnesses.
Asked directly whether the witnesses had been given protection, he responded:
“Yeah, we’ve given them police protection.”
The disclosure comes amid heightened tensions following Wontumi’s conviction and continued public scrutiny of the prosecution’s handling of the case.
The authorities’ decision to protect the witnesses underscores concerns about the safety of individuals involved in high-profile criminal proceedings and the potential impact of threats on the administration of justice.
