Minority Caucus has criticised the High Court’s conviction of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the judgment as raising serious concerns about fair trial rights, constitutional processes and the application of justice.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, the Minority responded to the judgment delivered by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of the High Court, Accra, which convicted Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited on two counts each under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended.
The caucus said its position was not intended to undermine the judiciary but represented a constitutional duty to scrutinise the conduct of state institutions, including prosecutorial and judicial processes, where matters of public interest arise.
The Minority expressed solidarity with Chairman Wontumi, his family and supporters, following the court’s decision, and urged party members to remain calm and pursue all available legal avenues.
The caucus said it supports the New Patriotic Party’s efforts to challenge the decision through the appellate process, insisting that due process and the rule of law must guide the matter.
A major concern raised by the Minority was the court’s decision to proceed with judgment despite the reported absence of Chairman Wontumi’s lead counsel, who the caucus said had informed the court of a prior professional engagement outside the jurisdiction.
The Minority argued that such circumstances raise questions about the constitutional right of an accused person to be represented by a lawyer of their choice under Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution.
The caucus compared the situation to the earlier legal case involving former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive Tsatsu Tsikata, arguing that fair trial principles should apply equally regardless of political affiliation.
It urged Chairman Wontumi’s legal team to challenge the issue before the Court of Appeal and called on the appellate court to examine whether the proceedings met constitutional standards.
The Minority also criticised the High Court’s refusal to refer constitutional questions raised during the trial to the Supreme Court under Article 130 of the Constitution.
According to the caucus, the refusal to make the referral amounted to an improper assumption of jurisdiction by the trial court, arguing that constitutional interpretation is the exclusive responsibility of the Supreme Court.
The Minority cited previous Supreme Court decisions, including the case involving Dr. Zenator Rawlings, to support its argument that constitutional questions of interpretation should be determined by the apex court.
It maintained that the issue was not a minor procedural matter but one that could affect the validity of the entire proceedings.
The Minority further raised concerns about what it described as unequal application of state power in cases involving illegal mining.
The caucus questioned why investigations involving some members of the governing party had not resulted in similar prosecutions, arguing that the pace and outcome of legal actions appeared inconsistent.
It called on the Attorney-General to provide transparency on enforcement actions related to illegal mining across the political divide.
The Minority called on the Court of Appeal to give thorough consideration to any legal challenges relating to counsel of choice, fair trial rights and constitutional referrals.
It also urged the judiciary to provide guidance on the application of Article 130 to ensure citizens’ access to constitutional interpretation by the Supreme Court is protected.
The caucus maintained that its position was not an attack on the judiciary but a call for consistency, fairness and confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
Concluding its statement, the Minority said it would continue to monitor the case and support lawful efforts aimed at challenging the conviction.
The caucus ended by declaring that Chairman Wontumi’s case represents what it considers a failure of justice, stating: “Chairman Wontumi is a political prisoner.”
