Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Kwabena Yandoh, has urged the party not to allow the conviction of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to prevent him from contesting the party’s upcoming national elections.
According to him, the case against Chairman Wontumi is politically motivated and should not be used to determine his future within the party.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Yandoh claimed that there was a concerted effort to weaken the NPP stalwart through the courts.
He said the conviction should not affect Chairman Wontumi’s ambition to contest for the position of National Chairman of the NPP, arguing that the party should not allow its political opponents to influence its internal affairs.
“The hate for Wontumi is very huge. What has Wontumi done? This is very much politically motivated. They want to use their power in government to bring him down,” he alleged.
“I don’t think his dream of becoming the National Chairman of the NPP has fallen short. We won’t let our opponents determine the fate of our people. Even though he has been convicted, he should still be allowed to contest,” he stated.
Mr. Yandoh further suggested that the timing of the conviction, with the NPP’s internal elections expected in the coming months and the courts set to go on vacation, could affect Chairman Wontumi’s ability to pursue an appeal before the elections.
He called on party members to remain focused on recapturing political power in the 2028 general elections, describing Chairman Wontumi as a loyal and hardworking member of the NPP.
“Looking ahead, even though he has been convicted, I believe he will still have the opportunity to contest for the position. I would be very pleased if that happens, especially with internal elections approaching in two months and the court’s vacation coming soon. This is a calculated move because they know he could still pursue an appeal.
“The party must ensure that no one’s plans to undermine another are successful. Regardless of the outcome, the party should stay focused on our vision to win the 2028 elections,” he said.
“Our vision is to win the 2028 elections. Wontumi is a loving and loyal party member. Since he became Regional Chairman, the party has won two elections,” he added.
The Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty in the illegal mining case involving Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession at Samreboi in the Western Region.
The court convicted Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining Company Limited and another accused person, Kwame Antwi, over unlawful mining activities on the concession. It also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid. The custodial sentence and the default term attached to the fine are to run concurrently.
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