The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to appeal the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, insisting that the prosecution failed to prove the offence for which he was convicted.
At a press conference on Monday, July 20, 2026, the party argued that the High Court’s decision was not supported by evidence, maintaining that the prosecution did not establish that Wontumi unlawfully assigned or transferred his mineral rights.
According to the NPP, the legality of Wontumi’s acquisition of the mining concession was never in dispute throughout the trial. The party said the prosecution’s burden was to prove that he subsequently transferred or assigned those rights without the necessary approval, but failed to present any evidence to support that allegation.
“It is our considered view that Chairman Wontumi has been convicted in circumstances where there was no evidence at all to support a conviction in respect of the offence for which he has been convicted,” the party stated.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP maintained that the conviction was based on assumptions rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt, which it argued is the standard required in criminal proceedings.
“The prosecution could not produce any evidence to show that Wontumi had assigned his Mineral right,” the statement said, adding that no evidence was led to establish an unlawful assignment or transfer of the concession.
Describing the ruling as a “travesty of justice,” the party disclosed that its legal team had already initiated the appellate process to challenge the judgment.
Beyond the court case, the NPP accused the government of applying double standards in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The party questioned why allegations of illegal mining involving some individuals affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not, in its view, attracted similar levels of investigation and prosecution.
Among those mentioned were NDC National Organiser Joseph Yamin, NDC Vice Chairman Abanga Yakubu, Ahafo Ano South MP Mohammed Yakubu and Aowin MP Oscar Ofori Larbi. The NPP presented these as allegations that it believes warrant investigation and not as established findings of wrongdoing.
“Justice cannot be selective,” the party said, warning that public confidence in the anti-galamsey campaign could be undermined if enforcement is perceived as targeting political opponents while overlooking allegations involving others.
The NPP reaffirmed its support for Chairman Wontumi, describing him as a “political prisoner,” and expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the conviction.
The appeal is expected to directly challenge the High Court’s findings on the sufficiency of the evidence and the legal basis for Wontumi’s conviction.
