Lawyer Samuel Atta Akyea has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the 20-year prison sentence imposed on his client, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his conviction for illegal mining offences. The appellants further contend that the trial judge erred in her interpretation of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended. In her 59-page judgment, Justice Kocuvie-Tay said the sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent and to protect Ghana’s environment from the devastating effects of illegal mining. She further observed that the offences involved the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources, which belong to the State, adding that such conduct undermines the country’s mining regulatory regime and contributes to environmental degradation associated with illegal mining. The Court of Appeal is expected to determine whether the convictions and sentences should be upheld or set aside.