The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticised the government following the 20-year jail sentence handed to its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the conviction as a “travesty of justice” and insisting that it will challenge the ruling through the appellate process.

In a statement issued after the High Court's judgment, the party said it respected the authority of the judiciary but could not remain silent in the face of what it believes is a fundamentally flawed decision.

According to the NPP, the prosecution failed to provide evidence to support the offence for which Chairman Wontumi was convicted, arguing that his acquisition of the mineral concession in question was lawful and never disputed during the trial.

“The prosecution could not produce any evidence to show that Wontumi had assigned his mineral rights. Instead, the conviction rested on assumptions and inferences which, in our view, could not amount to proof beyond reasonable doubt. That is why we firmly believe that this conviction is a travesty of justice and has to be overturned on appeal,” the statement said.

The party further maintained that no evidence was presented before the court to establish that Chairman Wontumi had assigned or transferred his mineral rights in violation of the law, insisting that the conviction was based on assumptions rather than facts.

Beyond challenging the judgment itself, the NPP accused the government of engaging in selective justice and targeting perceived political opponents while failing to deal with allegations of illegal mining involving individuals associated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The party claimed that the Mahama administration may seek to portray the conviction as evidence of its commitment to the fight against illegal mining but rejected such a narrative.

“This is no trophy,” the NPP declared, arguing that Ghanaians would question why similar urgency had not been demonstrated in addressing allegations involving individuals linked to the governing party.

The statement referenced allegations that have been made against some NDC figures and questioned what action had been taken on petitions and complaints submitted to state investigative bodies.

According to the NPP, the fight against illegal mining cannot be regarded as credible if it focuses on political opponents while allegations involving individuals connected to the government are allegedly overlooked.

The party also argued that Ghana faces more pressing national challenges than what it described as political persecution, citing security concerns, the impact of illegal mining on cocoa farmers and farming communities, recurrent flooding and the growing threat of terrorism within the sub-region.

“At a time when our nation is grappling with growing security threats, the devastating impact of illegal mining on our cocoa farmers and farming communities, the Government's inadequate response to recent flooding across the country, and the increasing menace of terrorism within the sub-region, Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security,” the statement noted.

The NPP further accused the government of attempting to divert public attention from pressing national concerns through what it termed selective prosecutions designed to create an appearance of success.

Reaffirming its support for Chairman Wontumi, the party said its legal team had already commenced processes to challenge the conviction and sentence at the appellate courts.

It insisted that the judgment was unjustified and concluded by describing Chairman Wontumi as a “political prisoner,” pledging to stand firmly behind him throughout the legal process.