The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has demanded an update on the status of the galamsey petitions filed against National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Organiser Joseph Yamin and the party’s Third National Vice Chairman, Abanga Yakubu.
The NPP’s demand follows the conviction and sentencing of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Justin Kodua questioned why petitions and allegations involving some NDC officials had not received similar attention, adding that accountability should be applied equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 20, Justin Kodua Frimpong stated, “What has become of the petition submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seeking an investigation into allegations concerning Mr Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice Chairman of the NDC? We are asking these questions”.
“Mr President, what has happened to Honourable Mohammed Yakubu, NDC MP for Ahafo Ano South East, and his DCE, who was sacked from a chief’s palace after they were alleged to have been heavily involved in galamsey in their traditional area?” he asked.
“What happened to the NDC MP for Aowin, Honourable Oscar Ofori Larbi, who was accused by the chiefs and the people of Aowin, as well as the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, of engaging in galamsey? Why has the nation not witnessed the same level of urgency and determination in those matters? Justice cannot be selective,” he stated.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents in respect of whom evidence of wrongdoing does not exist, while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party,” he said.
“Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates agency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security. No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” he added.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described the 20-year sentence of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as a ‘travesty of justice’.
According to the NPP, they respect the authority and independence of the judiciary, but strongly disagreed with the court’s decision.
The NPP believed that the conviction could not be sustained on the evidence presented during the trial.
The NPP, addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, July 20, addressed by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Frimpong Kodua, announced plans to mount a legal and political challenge against his conviction.
Speaking to the press, Justin Frimpong Kodua stated, “We address you today with profound disappointment, but also with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and the pursuit of justice”.
“While we respect the authority of our courts, respect for the judiciary does not require silence in the face of a judgment that is fundamentally flawed. Our Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to disagree with judicial decisions and to seek redress through the appellate process. That is precisely what we intend to do.”
“It is our considered view that Chairman Wontumi has been convicted in circumstances where there was no evidence at all to support a conviction in respect of the offence for which he has been convicted,” Mr Kodua stated.
“It was never disputed that Chairman Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession. That fact was established and accepted before the court.”
“The prosecution could not produce any evidence to show that Wontumi had assigned his mineral right.”
“That is why we firmly believe that this conviction is a travesty of justice and has to be overturned on appeal,” Mr Kodua said.
He further added, “The NPP legal team is filing an appeal of this decision. I want the whole world to know that Wontumi being sentenced is because of politics; he did not commit any crime. He is a political criminal; it is because of politics that is why he has been jailed”.
The NPP comments follow the Accra High Court sentencing Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Watch the video below:
@ghnow_ “Justice cannot be selective.” — Justin Frimpong Kodua NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua says the fight against illegal mining will only gain public confidence if the law is applied fairly and impartially to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Speaking after Chairman Wontumi’s conviction, he argued that alleged illegal mining cases involving persons linked to the governing party should also be investigated with the same urgency, insisting that “justice cannot be selective.” #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by “The conviction of Chairman Wontumi is not a trophy to appease the Ghanaian people.” — Justin Frimpong Kodua, NPP General Secretary #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The NPP leadership is addressing the party supporters following Chairman Wontumi’s 20-year prison sentence, insisting the party will challenge the verdict and pursue an appeal. What are your thoughts? #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
