The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the judgment delivered on Monday, July 20, by the High Court in the case involving its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a statement, the party expressed profound disappointment while affirming its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, constitutional democracy and the pursuit of justice.

The statement said the party respects the authority of the courts, but added that respect for the judiciary does not require silence in the face of a judgment that is fundamentally flawed.

It noted that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to disagree with judicial decisions and to seek redress through the appellate process, and stated that this is precisely what the party intends to do.

"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.

"It was never disputed that Chairman Wontumi lawfully acquired his Mineral concession. That fact was established and accepted before the Court."

"The central question was whether that concession had been assigned or transferred in violation of the law."

"It is our respectful view that no evidence was adduced before the Court establishing any such assignment or transfer of mineral rights by Chairman Wontumi."

The party said the prosecution could not produce any evidence to show that Wontumi had assigned his mineral right.

It argued that the conviction rested on assumptions and inferences which, in their 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 NPP also raised broader concerns about the context in which the prosecution took place, alleging a troubling pattern in which the Government appears eager to shield its own while relentlessly pursuing perceived political opponents.

"Today, the John Mahama led NDC Government may seek to celebrate this conviction as evidence of its commitment to the fight against illegal mining where there is evidence of Galamsey on a large scale engaged in and supervised by leading members of John Mahama's government."

"We reject that narrative entirely."

The party said it believes the conviction of Chairman Wontumi will be used as a trophy to appease the Ghanaian public for alleged failures.

It also questioned why political opponents are being aggressively prosecuted while unresolved allegations of illegal mining persist against individuals associated with the ruling party.

"The Ghanaian people cannot fail to notice that while political opponents who have done no wrong are being aggressively prosecuted, questions remain unanswered regarding individuals associated with his Party and Government who have themselves been publicly linked to illegal mining activities."

The statement noted President John Dramani Mahama’s acknowledgement that persons in his administration are involved in Galamsey, and asked what concrete action has followed those admissions.

It sought to know who those members are and what steps have been taken.

The NPP also referenced petitions submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) requesting investigations into allegations concerning Mr Joseph Yamin, the NDC National Organiser, and Abanga Yakubu, Vice Chairman of the NDC, and asked what has become of those petitions.

The party cited other cases, including Mohammed Yakubu, NDC Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South, and his District Chief Executive, who were removed from a chief’s palace after allegations of involvement in Galamsey.

The NPP argued that the fight against illegal mining cannot be credible if it targets political opponents without sufficient evidence while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own party.

In its July 20 statement, the party urged attention to Ghana’s broader challenges, saying the country faces issues far greater than political persecution.

It said Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security amid growing security threats, the devastating impact of illegal mining on farmers and farming communities, the Government’s inadequate response to recent flooding, and increasing regional terrorism.

The statement warned that no government should attempt to divert public attention from pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success.

Signed by Justin Kodua Frimpong, Esq, General Secretary, the NPP affirmed that Chairman Wontumi is not alone.

"There is no justification for the judgment since the judge obviously ignored clear evidence exonerating Wontumi."

"The Party stands firmly with him. Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process. The NPP considers Wontumi a political prisoner."

The party said it will pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the conviction.