The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the High Court’s decision as a miscarriage of justice and confirming that it will challenge the ruling through the appellate courts.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the party respected the authority of the judiciary but strongly disagreed with the judgment, arguing that it was not supported by sufficient evidence.
“The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to disagree with judicial decisions and to seek redress through the appellate process. That is precisely what we intend to do,” Mr. Frimpong said.
According to the NPP, it was never disputed during the trial that Chairman Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession. The party maintained that prosecutors failed to present evidence proving that he had unlawfully assigned or transferred the concession, which formed the basis of the conviction.
The party argued that the prosecution relied on assumptions and inferences rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, insisting that the conviction should be overturned on appeal.
Beyond the legal issues, the NPP accused the government of pursuing what it described as selective justice, alleging that political opponents were being aggressively prosecuted while individuals linked to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) facing allegations of illegal mining had not been subjected to similar scrutiny.
Mr. Frimpong questioned the status of investigations into allegations involving several NDC officials, including National Organiser Joseph Yamin, Vice Chairman Abanga Yakubu, Ahafo Ano South MP Mohammed Yakubu, and Aowin MP Oscar Ofori Larbi. He also referred to previous public remarks by President John Dramani Mahama acknowledging that some individuals within his administration were involved in illegal mining.
The NPP contended that no meaningful action had followed those admissions and argued that the government’s anti-galamsey campaign would lack credibility if it was perceived to target only political opponents.
“Justice cannot be selective,” Mr. Frimpong said, adding that the fight against illegal mining should be applied fairly and impartially.
The party further accused the government of using high-profile prosecutions to divert attention from what it described as more pressing national challenges, including security concerns, the impact of illegal mining on farming communities, recent flooding, and terrorism threats within the sub-region.
The NPP reiterated its support for Chairman Wontumi, describing him as a “political prisoner” and insisting that the trial judge had overlooked evidence that, in the party’s view, exonerated him.
Mr. Frimpong said the party’s legal team had already begun the process of appealing the High Court’s decision.
The government has not yet responded to the allegations made by the NPP during the press conference.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
