NPP should not let Wontumi's conviction block his chairmanship bid, sa

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been convicted and sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment.

Paul Kwabena Yandoh, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the NPP, has urged the party not to let Wontumi's conviction block his chairmanship bid. Yandoh claims that the case against Chairman Wontumi is politically motivated and should not be used to determine his future within the party.

Speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen show, Yandoh alleged that there was a concerted effort to weaken the NPP stalwart through the courts. "The hate for Wontumi is very huge. What has Wontumi done? This is very much politically motivated. They want to use their power in government to bring him down," he said.

Yandoh stated that Wontumi's dream of becoming the National Chairman of the NPP has not fallen short. "We won't let our opponents determine the fate of our people. Even though he has been convicted, he should still be allowed to contest," he said.

The party's internal elections are expected in the coming months, and Yandoh suggested that the timing of the conviction could affect Wontumi's ability to pursue an appeal before the elections. "Looking ahead, even though he has been convicted, I believe he will still have the opportunity to contest for the position. I would be very pleased if that happens, especially with internal elections approaching in two months and the court's vacation coming soon. This is a calculated move because they know he could still pursue an appeal," he said.

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The party must ensure that no one's plans to undermine another are successful, Yandoh added. "Regardless of the outcome, the party should stay focused on our vision to win the 2028 elections," he said.

The Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment after being found guilty in the illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited's concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.

Source: Adom Online