The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the High Court’s conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the judgment as fundamentally flawed and lacking an evidentiary basis.
In a press conference held on Monday, July 20, 2026, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong expressed profound disappointment while reaffirming the party’s commitment to the rule of law. The party announced its intention to appeal the ruling.
“It is our considered view that Chairman Wontumi has been convicted in circumstances where there was no evidence at all to support a conviction,” Kodua Frimpong stated.
The NPP argued that it was never disputed that Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession. According to the party, the prosecution failed to produce any evidence showing that he had assigned or transferred the mineral rights in violation of the law.
The conviction, they claimed, was based on “assumptions and inferences” rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Political persecution allegations
The party went further, accusing the John Mahama-led NDC government of selective prosecution and using the case as a political tool. They alleged a pattern where the government shields its own supporters while aggressively pursuing political opponents.
The NPP highlighted several unresolved allegations of illegal mining (Galamsey) involving prominent NDC figures, including:
- Joseph Yamin, NDC National Organiser
- Abanga Yakubu, NDC Vice Chairman
- Mohammed Yakubu, NDC MP for Ahafo Ano South
