The 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 and 20-year prison sentence in an illegal mining case.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 20, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the NPP strongly disagrees with the High Court’s judgment and has already initiated an appeal to challenge the ruling.
According to Mr Kodua, the party believes the conviction was unjust and insists there was no evidence to warrant the sentence handed down by the court.
“We consider the decision of the court as amounting to political imprisonment. Indeed, Chairman Wontumi is a political prisoner,” he declared.
While expressing respect for the judiciary, the NPP maintained that citizens have a constitutional right to question court decisions they believe are flawed and to seek redress through the appellate process.
“We address you today with profound disappointment, but also with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and the pursuit of justice,” Mr Kodua said.
He added that respecting the courts does not prevent individuals or political parties from challenging judgments they consider unjust.
“While we respect the authority of our courts, respect for the judiciary does not require silence in the face of a judgment that is so fundamentally flawed. Our Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to disagree with judicial decisions and seek to do so through the appellate process.”
Mr Kodua stressed that the NPP will pursue every legal avenue available to overturn the conviction.
“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 had been convicted.”
The party’s remarks come after the High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi forest concession. The NPP says it remains confident the Court of Appeal will review the case and deliver justice.
