NPP to Appeal Chairman Wontumi's Conviction, Calls Him a 'Political Prisoner'

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its decision to appeal the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The party's General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said at a press conference that the NPP believes the conviction was not supported by sufficient evidence and will therefore challenge the ruling 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 Frimpong stated.

The NPP argues that the prosecution failed to prove allegations that Chairman Wontumi unlawfully assigned or transferred his mineral concession. It maintains that it was never disputed in court that Wontumi lawfully acquired the mining concession and argued that no evidence was presented to establish any illegal transfer of mineral rights.

Wontumi conviction based on assumptions, not proof beyond reasonable doubt – NPP

"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 Frimpong said. He argued that the conviction was based on assumptions and inferences rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.

The NPP also accused the government of pursuing what it described as selective justice, alleging that while opposition figures were being prosecuted, allegations of illegal mining involving members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not received similar attention. Mr Frimpong questioned the status of investigations into allegations involving some NDC officials and called on the government to demonstrate fairness in the fight against illegal mining.

The party further argued that the government should focus on addressing pressing national issues, including illegal mining, security concerns, flooding and terrorism, rather than what it described as politically motivated prosecutions. "The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents… while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party," he said.

Reaffirming the party's support for its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Mr Frimpong said the NPP considers Chairman Wontumi a "political prisoner" and pledged to stand by him throughout the legal process. "Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process. The NPP considers Wontumi a political prisoner," he stated.

The NPP's decision to appeal the conviction comes after the High Court convicted Chairman Wontumi on Monday in connection with a mining-related case. The party says it remains confident the conviction will be overturned on appeal.

Source: Adom Online