Wontumi’s Last Words to Me Were ‘Work Hard, Bring NPP Back to Power’

Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has revealed his final words to him before his sentencing over illegal mining activities.

Chairman Wontumi told Dr Boakye-Danquah to "hang on, work hard for the party, bring the party back to power, and get the governance ongoing," according to the spokesperson. Dr Boakye-Danquah made this revelation on JoyNews' The Pulse on Tuesday, July 21, while recounting the moments after the High Court sentenced Mr Boasiako to 20 years' imprisonment.

The conviction, which was handed down by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on Monday, July 20, 2026, also came with a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, and a default sentence of three years' imprisonment if the fine is not paid. Dr Boakye-Danquah maintained that the conviction was a case of political victimisation, arguing that Chairman Wontumi had played a significant role in the party's electoral fortunes.

"He is an election bulldozer," Dr Boakye-Danquah stated. "He wins elections for the biggest opposition party that left governance a few months ago." Dr Boakye-Danquah described Chairman Wontumi as mentally, morally, and emotionally strong, insisting that although he disagreed with the judgment, he believed he would overcome the challenge.

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According to Dr Boakye-Danquah, Chairman Wontumi expressed his disagreement with the court's decision through his reaction when the sentence was pronounced. "He kept shaking his head, no, no, no, no," Dr Boakye-Danquah said. "I could read those gestures clearly, in disagreement with the court's order and also the final sentence. But he is a strong man."

The New Patriotic Party's flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will likely be the beneficiary of Chairman Wontumi's efforts to return the party to power. As the party looks to rebuild and regain its footing, Chairman Wontumi's conviction will likely be a major test of its resolve and commitment to its values.

Source: JOY