The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally announced plans to appeal against the conviction and sentencing of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 20, 2026, just hours after the ruling was handed down, the General Secretary of the party, who is also a private legal practitioner, described the High Court’s decision as unjust and entirely unsupported by the evidence presented during the trial.
The press briefing followed an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened in direct response to the verdict delivered in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case.
According to the party scribe, the court failed to properly evaluate crucial evidence that clearly exonerated Chairman Wontumi.
He maintained that there was no legal basis for the conviction and reassured party loyalists that the legal battle was far from over.
He further accused the government of engaging in selective prosecution under the guise of tackling illegal mining, asserting that the crusade lacked credibility if it was perceived as a target solely on opposition members.
“There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi. The New Patriotic Party stands firmly with him. Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process,” he stated.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot be credible when it targets only persons from the opposition. Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security,” Mr Kodua said.
He alleged that the administration was attempting to divert public attention from pressing national issues through politically motivated prosecutions.
Describing Chairman Wontumi as a “political prisoner,” the General Secretary affirmed that the NPP would remain steadfast in its unwavering support for him throughout the entire appeals process.
