The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the judgment as “fundamentally flawed” and vowing to challenge it at the appellate court.
At a press conference on Monday, July 20, 2026, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the party respects the authority of the judiciary but believes the court’s decision was not supported by evidence.
According to him, the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Chairman Wontumi had unlawfully transferred or assigned his mineral concession.
“It is our considered view that Chairman Wontumi has been convicted in circumstances where there was no evidence at all to support a conviction in respect of the offence for which he has been convicted,” Mr. Kodua stated.
He argued that it was never disputed that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako legally acquired his mining concession, adding that the key issue before the court was whether the mineral rights had been transferred in breach of the law.
“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,” he said.
The NPP General Secretary insisted that the party would pursue an appeal, expressing confidence that the judgment would be overturned.
Mr. Kodua further accused the government of pursuing political opponents while failing to act decisively against individuals within the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who have been linked to allegations of illegal mining.
He alleged that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi was being used by the government as a symbol of its fight against illegal mining, despite what he described as unanswered questions surrounding alleged galamsey activities involving some members of the NDC.
“The Ghanaian people cannot fail to notice that while political opponents who have done no wrong are being aggressively prosecuted, questions remain unanswered regarding individuals associated with his party and government who have themselves been publicly linked to illegal mining activities,” he said.
He questioned what action had been taken regarding allegations involving some NDC officials, including National Organiser Joseph Yamin, Vice Chairman Abanga Yakubu, and other political figures accused by various groups and communities of involvement in illegal mining.
Mr. Kodua argued that the fight against illegal mining must be applied fairly and without political bias.
“Justice cannot be selective. The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents while overlooking allegations involving others,” he stated.
The NPP also criticised the government’s handling of broader national issues, including illegal mining, flooding, security threats, and economic challenges.
Mr. Kodua said Ghanaians expected the government to focus on protecting lives, livelihoods, and national security rather than engaging in what he described as politically motivated prosecutions.
“No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he added.
Reaffirming the party’s backing for Chairman Wontumi, Mr. Kodua said the NPP would stand by its regional chairman throughout the legal process.
“The Party stands firmly with him. Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process,” he said.
The NPP described Mr. Antwi-Boasiako as a “political prisoner” and maintained that the conviction would not stand after the appeal process.
