The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the 20-year prison sentence handed to its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the High Court judgment as a “travesty of justice” and announcing plans to challenge the decision through the appeal process.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters after an emergency leadership meeting, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the party believes the conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence and must be overturned by a higher court.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong argued that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Chairman Wontumi assigned or transferred mineral rights without approval, which formed part of the charges in the Samreboi illegal mining case.
“It is our respected view that no evidence was adduced before the court establishing any such assignment or transfer of mineral rights by Chairman Wontumi.
“The prosecution could not produce any evidence to show that Wontumi had assigned his mineral right. Instead, the conviction rested on assumptions and inferences which in our view, could not amount to proof beyond reasonable doubt.”
NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong
NPP Maintains Conviction Lacked Evidence
The NPP General Secretary insisted that the party’s position was based on its assessment of the legal arguments and evidence presented during the trial. “That is why we firmly believe that his conviction is a travesty of justice and has to be overturned on appeal,” he stated.
The party’s comments followed the High Court’s decision to sentence Chairman Wontumi to 20 years in prison with hard labour after finding him guilty in the Samreboi mining case.
The court also imposed financial penalties on both Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Company Limited, after convictions relating to mining activities conducted at the company’s concession in the Western Region.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong said the NPP legal team had already started preparations to challenge the judgment. “Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge his judgment through the appeal process,” he said.
Party Accuses Government of Selective Justice
Beyond the legal arguments, the NPP General Secretary raised political concerns over what he described as selective prosecution by the government. He accused the government of pursuing political opponents while failing to act decisively on allegations involving individuals connected to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“An equally disturbing is the broader context within which this prosecution has taken place. A troubling pattern is emerging in our country. A pattern where the government appears eager to shield its own while relentlessly pursuing perceived political opponents who have done no wrong”.
NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong
He rejected claims that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction demonstrated the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining. “Today, the John Mahama led NDC government may seek to celebrate this conviction as evidence of its commitment to fight against illegal mining. Where there is evidence of galamsey on a large scale engaged and supervised by leading members of John Mahama’s government, we reject that narrative entirely,” he stated.
He added that the NPP believes the conviction was being presented as a political achievement rather than a purely legal outcome. “They think that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi will be the trophy to appease the Ghanaian people for their failures. This is no trophy,” he said.
Questions Raised Over Alleged Galamsey Cases
Mr. Kodua Frimpong questioned why allegations involving some members of the NDC and government officials had not received similar attention.
He referenced allegations involving individuals such as NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin and NDC Vice Chairman Abanga Yakubu, asking for updates on a petition submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seeking investigations.
“What has become of the petition submitted to EOCO seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr. Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice Chairman of the NDC? We are asking these questions. Mr. President, what has become of those investigations?”
NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong
He also questioned the status of allegations involving other public officials accused of links to illegal mining activities. Mr. Kodua Frimpong mentioned allegations involving the Member of Parliament for Ahafo North and a former District Chief Executive, as well as accusations raised against the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin by traditional authorities and anti-galamsey groups.
“Justice cannot be selective. And I repeat, justice cannot be selective,” he said. According to him, the fight against illegal mining would only gain public confidence if enforcement applied equally to all individuals regardless of political affiliation.
NPP Says Wontumi Is a Political Prisoner
The party further described Chairman Wontumi as a political prisoner and promised continued support throughout the appeal process. “Finally, let me assure all members of the New Patriotic Party and the good people of Ghana that Chairman Wontumi is not alone,” Mr. Kodua Frimpong said.
“There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi. The New Patriotic Party stands firmly with him. The NPP considers Chairman Wontumi to be a political prisoner”.
Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah
Mr. Kodua Frimpong also argued that Ghana faces broader challenges that require urgent government attention, including security concerns, the impact of illegal mining on cocoa farmers and farming communities, flooding, and economic pressures affecting citizens.
He said Ghanaians expect leadership focused on protecting lives, livelihoods, and national security rather than using prosecutions to create an impression of achievement. “No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he said.
The NPP’s latest comments set the stage for a legal battle over Chairman Wontumi’s conviction, with the party indicating that the Court of Appeal will be the next major step in its effort to overturn the High Court’s decision.
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