The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), as a “political prisoner” and vowed to immediately appeal his 20-year jail sentence for illegal mining, accusing the Mahama-led NDC government of selective prosecution and political persecution.
In a strongly worded address on Monday, July 20, 2026, the NPP leadership rejected the court’s verdict, insisting that Wontumi’s conviction was a “travesty of justice” unsupported by evidence.
No Evidence of Transfer, Party Argues
The party acknowledged that the court had established that Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession. However, it argued that the prosecution failed to produce any evidence showing that he had assigned or transferred those rights in violation of the Minerals and Mining Act.
“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 party stated. “Instead, the conviction rested on assumptions and inferences which, in our view, could not amount to proof beyond reasonable doubt.”
The NPP maintained that the judge “ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi,” and confirmed that its legal team has already commenced steps to challenge the judgment through the appellate process.
“Selective Justice” Alleged
Beyond the specifics of the case, the NPP accused the government of using the prosecution as a diversionary tactic to distract Ghanaians from pressing national challenges, including flooding, security threats, and illegal mining’s impact on farming communities.
The party questioned why individuals associated with the ruling NDC, including MPs and party officials publicly linked to galamsey, have not faced similar scrutiny.
“What has become of the petition submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr. Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice-Chairman of the NDC?” the party asked.
It also called out President Mahama directly, referencing his own acknowledgement that persons in his administration are involved in illegal mining.
“The President himself has acknowledged that persons in his administration are involved in galamsey. What action has been done to those individuals?” the NPP demanded.
“Justice Cannot Be Selective”
The party dismissed any suggestion that Wontumi’s conviction was a victory in the fight against galamsey, calling it “no trophy” for the government.
“The Ghanaian people cannot fail to notice that, while political opponents who have done no wrong are being aggressively persecuted, questions remain unanswered regarding individuals associated with the party in government who themselves have been publicly linked to illegal mining activities,” the statement read.
The NPP further accused the government of using “selective prosecutions designed to create an appearance of success” while failing to address the nation’s real crises.
Party Stands Firm
In closing, the NPP leadership assured its members and the public that Wontumi is not alone, reiterating three times that he is considered a political prisoner.
“The New Patriotic Party stands firmly behind Chairman Wontumi,” the party declared. “There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi.”
The party has not yet indicated whether it will pursue any political actions beyond the legal appeal, but confirmed that its legal team is already in motion.