NPP labels Wontumi political prisoner as party launches appeal against 20-year mining conviction

The opposition New Patriotic Party has intensified its defence of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, declaring him a "political prisoner" after his conviction on illegal mining charges. The party's General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, made the announcement at a press conference on Monday, signalling the beginning of formal appeal proceedings against the High Court's verdict.

Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years in prison after the High Court found him guilty in connection with illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Limited. Prosecutors argued that he permitted unauthorised mining on the company's concession without obtaining the ministerial approval required by Ghanaian mining law.

The NPP's legal arguments and allegations of bias

The NPP contests the conviction on substantive grounds, arguing that the prosecution's case was built on weak evidence. According to the party, there is no dispute that Wontumi lawfully acquired the mining concession. The party's central claim is that prosecutors failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt that Wontumi had transferred or assigned his mineral rights to unauthorised parties.

Mr Kodua stated that the conviction was based on "assumptions and inferences" rather than concrete proof, describing it as "a travesty of justice" that must be overturned on appeal. He emphasised that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to challenge judicial decisions through the appellate process, and that respecting the courts does not require silence on flawed judgments.

Beyond the legal merits, the NPP has levelled political accusations against the ruling National Democratic Congress. The opposition claims the NDC is selectively prosecuting political opponents whilst ignoring allegations of illegal mining involving members of the government party. Mr Kodua suggested that Wontumi's conviction is being used as a "trophy" to demonstrate anti-galamsey commitment without applying equal justice standards.

Why it matters for Ghana

This case sits at the intersection of Ghana's urgent battle against illegal mining and broader questions about judicial impartiality and political fairness. Illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has become a defining crisis for Ghana, destroying water bodies, farmland and ecosystems whilst threatening national development and public health.

If the NPP's allegations of selective prosecution gain traction, they could undermine public confidence in the government's anti-galamsey campaign, which has been a flagship NDC policy. Conversely, the conviction signals that high-profile figures—regardless of party affiliation—may face serious consequences for mining-related violations.

The appeal process will likely attract significant public scrutiny, particularly in the Ashanti Region where Wontumi holds substantial political influence. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases involving prominent political figures are handled, and may influence perceptions of judicial independence in politically sensitive matters.

Mr Kodua assured NPP supporters that the party would stand by Wontumi throughout the legal process, with the party's legal team already commencing appeal procedures at the Court of Appeal.