Wontumi Sentencing: NPP blasts selective justice

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the Mahama administration of pursuing selective justice following the conviction of Chairman Wontumi.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua described the 20-year prison sentence handed to Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as part of what he called a worrying pattern of politically motivated justice.

“A troubling pattern is emerging in our country,” Mr. Kodua said. “A pattern where the government appears eager to shield its own while relentlessly pursuing its political opponents who have done no wrong.”

He rejected suggestions that the conviction demonstrated the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining, insisting the fight against galamsey was being applied selectively.

“Today, the John Mahama-led NDC government may seek to celebrate this conviction as evidence of its commitment to fight illegal mining while there is galamsey supervised by leading members of John Mahama’s government. We reject that narrative entirely,” he stated.

Mr. Kodua maintained that the NPP remained committed to defending what it believes is the rule of law and equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.

His remarks follow Friday’s judgment by an Accra High Court, which sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty of multiple offences linked to illegal mining operations undertaken by his company, Akonta Mining Limited, at its concession in Samreboi in the Western Region.

The court convicted him of unlawfully assigning mining licences without ministerial approval and deliberately facilitating unlicensed mining activities. It ordered that the custodial sentences run concurrently and imposed a GH¢120,000 fine, with an additional three-year prison term in default of payment. Akonta Mining Limited was also fined.

Lawyers for Mr. Boasiako have expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and indicated they will appeal the conviction and sentence.

The conviction comes at a crucial period for the Ashanti Regional Chairman, who is seeking to become the NPP’s next National Chairman. Earlier this year, he announced his intention to contest the position, promising to unite and rebuild the party ahead of the 2028 general election.

Following the court’s decision, the NPP’s national leadership convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the implications of the ruling and the party’s response as preparations continue for the anticipated appeal.