The Ashanti Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament has appealed to party supporters, particularly those in the Ashanti Region, to remain calm and refrain from actions that could disrupt public order following the conviction of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The appeal follows the decision of the Accra High Court, which sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment on each of two counts after finding him guilty in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units on each count, while Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined 15,000 penalty units on each count.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay convicted Chairman Wontumi on Counts One and Four and Akonta Mining Limited on Counts Three and Six after ruling that the prosecution had proved all the essential elements of the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Ashanti Caucus and Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the MPs reaffirmed their support for Chairman Wontumi and expressed confidence in the legal process.
“We therefore call on all members of the New Patriotic Party, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to remain calm, united and resolute. Let us avoid actions that undermine public order while demonstrating, through our unity and discipline, that our faith in Chairman Wontumi and the Party remains unshaken,” the statement said.
The caucus described Chairman Wontumi as a courageous and dedicated leader whose contribution to the growth and electoral fortunes of the NPP remains significant.
“Chairman Wontumi has, over the years, distinguished himself as a fearless, resilient and selfless leader whose sacrifices and commitment have significantly strengthened the New Patriotic Party in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana,” it noted.
While affirming its respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the MPs stressed that Chairman Wontumi has a constitutional right to challenge the verdict through the appellate courts.
“We have every confidence that justice will ultimately prevail through the appeal process,” the statement added.
The caucus rejected suggestions that the judgment signals the end of Chairman Wontumi’s political career, insisting that the ruling should rather strengthen the resolve of party members to rally behind him.
It also expressed concern over what it described as growing perceptions of selective justice, urging authorities to ensure fairness and impartiality in the enforcement of the law.
“The fight against illegality must be fair, impartial and devoid of political considerations. Justice must never become an instrument for settling political scores or intimidating political opponents,” the MPs stated.
The Ashanti Caucus assured Chairman Wontumi of its unwavering support throughout the legal process, pledging that he would not face the challenge alone.
READ ALSO:
Mahama using Wontumi as scapegoat in galamsey fight – Kofi Tonto
Galamsey offenders must be prosecuted regardless of political affiliation – Ken Ashigbey
