Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has expressed support for the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following his conviction and 20-year prison sentence over illegal mining activities.
In a statement issued on July 22, Mr Boadu described Chairman Wontumi as a “political prisoner” and urged NPP members to remain united and law-abiding as the party pursues legal avenues to challenge the High Court’s decision.
“I have followed the recent developments involving our brother, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), with deep concern and sympathy,” Mr Boadu said.
He expressed solidarity with the embattled party executive, describing him as a brother and reaffirming his support following the court’s ruling.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court after being found guilty of offences related to illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the Criminal Division of the High Court, delivered the sentence on Monday, July 20, bringing an end to one of the country’s high-profile cases involving illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000. He faces an additional three-year jail term if the fine is not paid.
Mr Boadu called on members of the NPP to remain calm and committed to democratic and legal processes as the party seeks to challenge the judgment.
He also urged the party’s supporters to continue upholding the law while efforts are made to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.
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