Lawyer Martin Kpebu has thrown his support behind calls for a presidential pardon for Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Bernard "Wontumi" Antwi-Boasiako but says the decision should only be considered after he has served part of his 20-year prison sentence.

In an exclusive interview with Classfmonline.com, Mr. Kpebu said he believes Wontumi could be considered for a pardon after serving between five and seven years, provided he also pays for the reclamation of lands affected by illegal mining activities.

"I said he should serve for five to seven years and also he should pay for the reclamation. I expect that Minerals Commission will go and do a report on what it takes to reclaim the place and then he should pay for it. For that's what is sufficient," he explained.

Calls for a presidential pardon for Chairman Wontumi have emerged following his conviction over illegal mining-related offences with some NPP members appealing for clemency.

Mr. Kpebu, however, said any pardon should come with accountability, arguing that the environmental damage caused by illegal mining must also be addressed.

He pushed back against the view that the 20-year sentence with hard labour handed to Wontumi was lenient given the devastating effects of galamsey.

The lawyer said his position is guided by human rights principles and the belief that imprisonment should focus on reforming offenders. "For me, imprisonment should reform the person.

He should come back when he will be useful to society and younger people can learn from him," he said.

Mr Kpebu added that keeping Wontumi in prison for the full duration of the sentence would be excessive, stressing he would prefer the former NPP executive to return to society early enough to prepare for retirement.

"I am hoping that he will be out soon enough to get ready to retire at 60," he stated.