The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region has organised a vigil in Kumasi in solidarity with its Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The vigil is being held as Chairman Wontumi’s legal team begins the process of appealing his conviction and 20-year prison sentence.
Party executives, constituency leaders and supporters have gathered at the DMB Campaign Office in Kumasi to express their support for the embattled NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman and call for his release.
Also read:Â Ghanaian dies shortly after South Africa evacuation flight lands in Accra
The NPP says the gathering is intended to demonstrate solidarity with Chairman Wontumi while mobilising members as his lawyers work to challenge the court’s decision.
Chairman Wontumi was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour by an Accra High Court after he was found guilty of involvement in illegal mining activities at Samreboi in the Western Region.
Following the conviction, his lawyers began preparations to appeal the decision, seeking to have the conviction and sentence overturned.
The NPP Ashanti Region has pledged continued support for its chairman as the legal process unfolds.
The vigil has brought together party officials and supporters who say they are standing firmly behind Chairman Wontumi during what the party considers a difficult period.
The NPP maintains that it will continue to support Chairman Wontumi throughout the appeal process and has called on its members to remain united and peaceful.
The Kumasi vigil therefore forms part of the party’s broader show of solidarity as Chairman Wontumi’s legal team seeks a favourable outcome from the appellate courts.
Myjoyonline