The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a “political prisoner” following his conviction by the High Court over a mining-related offence.
Addressing a press conference, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, insisting that the conviction was not supported by evidence and vowing that the party would challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
“We consider the decision of the court as amounting to political imprisonment. Chairman Wontumi is a political prisoner,” Mr. Kodua stated.
According to him, while the NPP respects the authority and independence of the judiciary, it has the constitutional right to disagree with judicial decisions and seek redress through the appellate process.
Mr. Kodua argued that the prosecution failed to prove the offence for which Chairman Wontumi was convicted. He maintained that it was never disputed during the trial that the NPP regional chairman had lawfully acquired his mineral concession.
“The central question was whether that concession had been assigned or transferred in violation of the law. No evidence was adduced before the court establishing any such assignment or transfer,” he said, adding that the conviction was based on assumptions and inferences rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The NPP General Secretary further alleged that the prosecution formed part of a broader pattern of political persecution by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He accused the government of aggressively targeting political opponents while allegedly failing to investigate or prosecute individuals within its own ranks who have been linked to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Mr. Kodua questioned the status of investigations into allegations against NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin, the party’s National Vice Chairman, Yakubu Abanga, and other NDC officials and Members of Parliament who have been publicly accused of involvement in illegal mining activities.
He also referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s reported acknowledgment that some persons within his administration were involved in illegal mining, asking what concrete action had been taken against them.
“Justice cannot be selective,” Mr. Kodua stressed. “The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents while overlooking allegations involving members of the governing party.”
Beyond the Wontumi case, the NPP accused the government of failing to adequately address major national challenges, including illegal mining, insecurity, recent flooding, and the threat of terrorism in the country’s northern regions.
According to Mr. Kodua, the government was using selective prosecutions to divert public attention from these pressing issues.
He assured party supporters that Chairman Wontumi would not face the legal battle alone, stating that the NPP’s legal team had already initiated the appeal process.
“There is no justification for the judgment. The New Patriotic Party stands firmly with Chairman Wontumi,” he said.
Mr. Kodua reiterated the party’s position that Chairman Wontumi remains a political prisoner and expressed confidence that the appellate courts would overturn the conviction.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Ebenezer Madugu