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NPP says Wontumi conviction is not a government trophy, alleges selective justice
via GhanaWeb5 min read
The New Patriotic Party NPP has accused the Mahama administration of attempting to use the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, as a political "trophy." In a statement dated July 20, 2026, the NPP argued that Wontumi's conviction should not be celebrated as proof of the government's commitment to fighting illegal mining, claiming that similar allegations involving individuals linked to the governing National Democratic Congress NDC have not received the same attention. The party alleged selective application of justice, questioning why investigations into illegal mining activities involving some NDC officials have not progressed with similar urgency. The NPP stated that the prosecution failed to provide evidence that Wontumi unlawfully assigned or transferred his mineral concession, asserting that the conviction was based on assumptions rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Describing the judgment as a "travesty of justice," the NPP announced that its legal team had begun the process of appealing the High Court’s decision and reaffirmed its support for Chairman Wontumi, maintaining he was wrongfully convicted and calling him a "political prisoner."
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadA video of New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, boasting about his wealth has resurfaced on social media. This follows his conviction and sentencing in the Samreboi illegal mining case. On Monday, July 20, 2026, an Accra High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour after finding him guilty on six counts related to illegal mining activities involving Akonta Mining Company Limited. In the resurfaced 2025 interview with GHOne TV's Serwaa Amihere, Wontumi claimed, "Kumasi here, I have about 100 houses. If you go to Kwadaso, there is a place I have built about 69 houses." He added, "Anything they have, I have more. I am the governor of Ashanti." The court imposed two concurrent 20-year prison terms, resulting in an effective 20-year sentence. He was also fined GH₵120,000, with a default three-year prison term if unpaid, while Akonta Mining was fined GH₵180,000. The court ordered the confiscation of excavators, water pumps, firearms, and GH₵157,000 in cash seized during investigations, citing severe environmental damage as a key reason for the sentence.
Kwabena Nsenkyire, former New Patriotic Party NPP Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to grant a presidential pardon to Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi-Boasiako. Chairman Wontumi was sentenced by the Accra High Court to 20 years' imprisonment for illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units GH¢120,000, with a default sentence of three years' imprisonment for non-payment. Nsenkyire stated that the news saddened party members but their immediate focus was on ensuring justice. He added that the party would await a briefing from Chairman Wontumi's legal team before deciding on next steps. Nsenkyire urged President Mahama to consider the pardon, citing recent pardons granted to other inmates and suggesting it would enhance the President's reputation as a "father for all" and demonstrate Christian values.
Must ReadEducation Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that Cabinet has approved the US$331 million STARR-J Project, negotiated by President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Finance. This project aims to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of secondary education nationwide and will be presented to Parliament for consideration. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Iddrisu stated the project reinforces the government's commitment to strengthening the Free Senior High School Free SHS policy, addressing challenges such as infrastructure gaps, student feeding, and quality assurance. The STARR-J Project will benefit 210 Senior High Schools, Senior High Technical Schools, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET institutions across Ghana, with 112 schools, including 38 TVET institutions, slated for rehabilitation. New dormitories, classrooms, and laboratories will also be constructed. The government plans to upgrade 30 Category C schools to Category B and convert 20 Category B schools into Category A institutions. From 2027, the Ghana Education Trust Fund GETFund will provide dedicated funding for infrastructure expansion in Category A schools. The project underscores the government's dedication to making the Free SHS policy sustainable and ensuring access to quality education in modern learning environments.