The conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, by the High Court has been sharply denounced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which characterises the ruling as essentially flawed and without of supporting evidence.
NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong reiterated the party’s dedication to the rule of law while expressing deep disappointment during a press conference on Monday, July 20, 2026. The party declared that it would file an appeal of the decision.
Kodua Frimpong said, “It is our considered view that Chairman Wontumi has been convicted in circumstances where there was no evidence at all to support a conviction.”
The NPP stated that Wontumi’s legal acquisition of his mineral concession was never questioned. The party claims that the prosecution did not present any proof that he had illegally transferred or assigned the mineral rights.
They argued that rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt, the conviction was founded on “assumptions and inferences.”
The NDC government, led by John Mahama, was accused by the party of selective prosecution and using the issue as a political tool.
They cited a trend in which the administration actively pursues political rivals while protecting its own loyalists.
The NPP brought attention to a number of unsolved claims of illegal mining (Galamsey) involving well-known NDC individuals, such as:
Mohammed Yakubu, NDC MP for Ahafo Ano South
Abanga Yakubu, NDC Vice Chairman
Joseph Yamin, NDC National Organiser
Source: newsthemegh.com