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NPP General Secretary hopeful Sylvester Tetteh calls Chairman Wontumi a political prisoner after conviction
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Sylvester Tetteh, a New Patriotic Party NPP General Secretary hopeful, has described Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, as a political prisoner following his conviction and sentencing. In a statement issued on July 23, 2026, as part of his campaign, Tetteh expressed solidarity with Chairman Wontumi, arguing that the conviction raises serious concerns about the administration of justice. Tetteh stated that Chairman Wontumi was convicted over allegations of assigning his mining concession to a third party, not illegal mining. He maintained that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to prove the allegation beyond reasonable doubt, yet the court imposed a 20-year prison sentence. Tetteh called this a "travesty of justice" and raised concerns about fair and impartial justice. The NPP General Secretary aspirant urged party members and supporters to remain calm, unite, and rally behind Chairman Wontumi, stating, "I stand in unwavering solidarity with Bernard Antwi Boasiako Chairman Wontumi and firmly believe that he is a political prisoner."
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Ghana's Parliament experienced a charged atmosphere following the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on July 23, 2026. The Minority Caucus, dressed in black, chanted 'Free Wontumi!' in support of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party. In response, the Majority chanted 'Bring Ken back!' The Minority also hit their tables with books as tensions escalated on the floor. The Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review is a requirement under Ghana's public financial management laws, providing updates on the economy, government revenue and expenditure, debt servicing, and the fiscal outlook for the rest of 2026.
Albert Akozua, the primary suspect in the 2023 Ablekuma bullion van robbery that resulted in the death of Corporal Callistus Amoah, has been killed by police. According to journalist Saddick Adams, Akozua was shot and killed after attempting to escape following his arrest in Kperi Kisanaba Binaba, Upper East Region. Police traced Akozua from Accra to his hideout. After his arrest, he reportedly agreed to help police retrieve two other guns used in the attack and locate other suspects. During this process, he attempted to flee and was shot, later succumbing to his injuries at a health facility. Corporal Amoah, 28, was shot multiple times by four men on motorbikes during an attack on a bullion van at a StarOil Filling Station in Ablekuma Fanmilk on June 22, 2023. The robbers escaped with a bag from the van. CCTV footage and amateur videos captured the incident.
Must ReadDr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026. This presentation is a statutory requirement under Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 Act 921. The review provides Parliament with an update on Ghana's economic performance during the first half of the year and outlines the government's fiscal strategy for the remainder of 2026. It is expected to assess economic management over the past six months, including revenue mobilization, public expenditure, debt servicing, and the country's overall fiscal position. Dr. Forson is also anticipated to detail the government's policy direction for the second half of the year and announce potential adjustments to the 2026 Budget based on prevailing economic conditions.