The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared its intention to contest the recent conviction and sentencing of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi. The party has characterized the High Court’s decision as unjust and lacking support from the evidence presented during the trial.
Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the NPP, announced this development during a press briefing following an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee. The meeting was convened in response to the judgment handed down in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong contended that the court did not adequately consider evidence that, in the party's view, exonerated Chairman Wontumi. He asserted that there was no foundation for the conviction and reassured party supporters that the legal proceedings were far from concluded.
“There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi. The New Patriotic Party stands firmly with him. Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process,” he stated.
In addition to the legal challenge, the NPP accused the government of engaging in selective prosecutions in its campaign against illegal mining. The party argued that such a campaign lacks credibility if it appears to target only members of the opposition.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot be credible when it targets only persons from the opposition. Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security,” Mr. Kodua Frimpong asserted.
He further accused the government of attempting to divert public attention from more pressing national issues through politically motivated prosecutions.
The General Secretary also described Chairman Wontumi as a “political prisoner,” assuring party faithful that the NPP would continue to support him throughout the appeals process.
The High Court in Accra sentenced Chairman Wontumi on Monday to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts on which he was convicted in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case. The sentences are to run concurrently. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on each count against Wontumi. Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units for each count.
The NPP remains committed to pursuing all available legal avenues to overturn what it views as an erroneous judgment and to ensure justice for its regional chairman.
