Two Wontumi Trial Witnesses Receive Police Protection Over Death Threats
Two key prosecution witnesses in the criminal case involving former Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have been placed under police protection following reported death threats.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, disclosed the development during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday.
According to him, the threats have intensified since Wontumi’s conviction, with the two principal witnesses, police investigators and members of the prosecution team reportedly being targeted.
“Our witnesses are every day threatened with death. The two star witnesses and even the police investigators… they threaten everybody.”
Dr Srem-Sai revealed that he and members of his legal team have also received threats, adding that the situation has become more pronounced following the conviction.
He said he treats every threat seriously, although he does not consider it necessary to make every incident public.
The Deputy Attorney General explained that publicising every threat could inadvertently create room for intimidation tactics to interfere with the enforcement of the law.
He noted that threats against prosecutors, judges and lawyers are not peculiar to the Wontumi case, saying legal professionals handling serious criminal matters routinely face similar risks.
“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.”
Asked specifically about the safety of the two prosecution witnesses, Dr Srem-Sai confirmed that the state had taken steps to protect them.
“Yeah, we’ve given them police protection.”
On his own security, he acknowledged that physical protection has limitations, particularly because the level of security provided depends on the nature and severity of a threat.
He said he combines the available security measures with his personal faith for reassurance and peace of mind.
The disclosure comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Wontumi case, with the prosecution maintaining that threats and intimidation will not deter the state from pursuing criminal proceedings.
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