NPP Accuses Mahama Government of Selective Prosecution After Chairman Wontumi's Conviction

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the John Mahama administration of engaging in "selective prosecution" following the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in illegal mining activities.

Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP's General Secretary, addressed a press conference on Monday, July 20, to express the party's discontent with the government's handling of the case. He argued that while Chairman Wontumi's conviction is being celebrated as evidence of the government's commitment to tackling illegal mining, the reality is that the government has failed to act against individuals within its own ranks who have been linked to such activities.

The NPP alleged that the government is attempting to deflect attention from its failure to deal with illegal mining involving individuals associated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). "Today, the John Mahama-led NDC government may seek to celebrate this conviction as evidence of its commitment to the fight against illegal mining… We reject that narrative entirely," Kodua Frimpong said.

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

The party further questioned what action had been taken against persons President Mahama had previously acknowledged were involved in illegal mining. It also cited petitions submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and allegations involving some NDC officials and Members of Parliament, asking why those cases had not received the same level of attention.

"What has become of the petition submitted to EOCO seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr Joseph Yamin and Abanga Yakubu? What happened to the allegations involving the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South and the Member of Parliament for Aowin?" Kodua Frimpong queried.

The NPP maintained that the fight against illegal mining would only be credible if the law was applied equally to all persons, regardless of their political affiliation. "Justice cannot be selective. 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," Kodua Frimpong said.

The party also rejected the legal basis of Chairman Wontumi's conviction, arguing that the prosecution failed to produce evidence that he unlawfully assigned or transferred his mineral rights. His accusation follows the Accra High Court's sentencing of Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment over illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.

The NPP has indicated that it will challenge the judgment through the appellate process. This move is likely to further complicate the already contentious issue of illegal mining in Ghana, which has been a major concern for the government and the public alike. The case is set to be a major test of the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their political affiliation, are held accountable for their actions.

Source: JOY