The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally rejected the Accra High Court’s judgement sentencing its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), to 20 years in prison for illegal mining.
In an address on Monday, July 20, 2026, the party leadership described the conviction as a “travesty of justice” and declared Wontumi a “political prisoner”, and announced that its legal team has already commenced the appellate process to challenge the verdict.
The NPP argued that the prosecution failed to adduce evidence proving that Wontumi had assigned or transferred his mineral rights, a central element of the offence, and that the conviction rested on assumptions rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The party further accused the Mahama-led NDC government of selective prosecution, questioning why several NDC figures publicly linked to illegal mining, including MPs and party officials, have not faced similar legal action.
It specifically cited outstanding petitions against Mr. Yamin, NDC National Organiser; Abanga Yakubu, NDC Vice-Chairman; and Members of Parliament Mohammed Yakubu and Oscar Ofori Larbi.
The NPP also alleged that the government is using the prosecution as a diversionary tactic to deflect attention from pressing national challenges, including flooding, security threats, and the impact of illegal mining on farming communities.
The party urged its members to remain calm and united, reaffirming its full support for Chairman Wontumi and its commitment to pursuing all legal avenues available.
