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.
The presiding Judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, delivered the sentence shortly after 11:40 am on Monday, July 20, 2026, which brings an end to one of Ghana’s most closely watched illegal mining prosecutions case.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on Wontumi, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
Meanwhile, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has said the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, should have been jailed for 25 years.
According to Ken Ashigbey, Wontumi’s 20-year sentence is punitive enough, but not enough.
Ken Ashigbey, a strong advocate in the fight against illegal mining, however, stressed that Wontumi’s 20-year sentence would serve as a deterrent to others involved in the practice.
He argued that the judge should have given Wontumi the maximum fine of 25 years plus.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV, Ken Ashigbey stated, “I’m happy that this case has gone its full circle. I would have wished that the learned judge would have given 25 years plus the maximum fine, but 20 years is good enough. Yes, it’s punitive enough, but not enough”.
Ken Ashigbey further expressed hope that other Galamsey kingpins should also face similar penalties, including maximum prison terms and fines.
He called on the Mahama government to ensure that all persons found culpable in illegal mining activities are treated equally under the law.
“Other kingpins should be made to face justice,” he added.
Watch the video below:
@ghnow_ “Chairman Wontumi has been convicted in circumstances where there was no evidence to support the offence for which he was convicted.” — Justin Frimpong Kodua, NPP General Secretary #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The NPP leadership is addressing the nation 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
