The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has rejected the conviction and 20-year sentence imposed on its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The party described the judgment as “fundamentally flawed” and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
The NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, disclosed this at a press conference in Accra on Monday, July 20, 2026, shortly after the High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years in prison for illegal mining at Samreboi.
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Mr Kodua said the NPP respected the authority and independence of Ghana’s judiciary but strongly disagreed with the court’s decision.
According to him, the party believes the conviction cannot be sustained based on the evidence presented during the trial and will therefore pursue the available legal avenues to overturn the judgment.
Appeal conviction
The NPP General Secretary said Chairman Wontumi’s legal team is expected to challenge the High Court’s decision through the appellate process.
He stressed that the right to appeal a court judgment is guaranteed under Ghana’s constitutional democracy and should not be interpreted as an attack on the judiciary.
“We address you today with profound disappointment, but also with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, constitutional democracy, and the pursuit of justice,” Mr Kodua said.
“While we respect the authority of our courts, respect for the judiciary does not require silence in the face of a judgment that is fundamentally flawed. Our Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to disagree with judicial decisions and to seek redress through the appellate process. That is precisely what we intend to do.”
No evidence
Mr Kodua argued that the prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of the offence for which Chairman Wontumi was convicted.
He maintained that it was never disputed during the trial that the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman had lawfully acquired his mineral concession.
According to him, the central issue before the court was whether the concession had subsequently been unlawfully assigned or transferred.
The NPP General Secretary insisted that the prosecution failed to provide evidence proving that Chairman Wontumi had assigned or transferred his mineral rights.
“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,” Mr Kodua stated.
“It was never disputed that Chairman Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession. That fact was established and accepted before the court.”
He added: “The prosecution could not produce any evidence to show that Wontumi had assigned his mineral right.”
Travesty of justice
Mr Kodua further argued that the conviction was based on assumptions and inferences which, in the NPP’s view, did not meet the criminal standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
The party argued that the appellate court should overturn the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Chairman Wontumi.
“That is why we firmly believe that this conviction is a travesty of justice and has to be overturned on appeal,” Mr Kodua said.
The NPP maintained that its decision to challenge the judgment does not amount to a rejection of the judiciary.
Rather, the party said, the appeal represents the exercise of a constitutional right available to any citizen who is dissatisfied with a court decision.
The 20-year sentence handed to Chairman Wontumi has generated mixed reactions across Ghana.
Anti-illegal mining campaigners have welcomed the judgment, describing it as an important development in efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and promote accountability in the mining sector.
The NPP, however, has maintained that the conviction amounts to a miscarriage of justice and has expressed confidence that the appellate courts will review the case based on the law and evidence presented before the trial court.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal team is expected to file a notice of appeal in the coming days as the NPP begins its legal challenge against the High Court conviction and 20-year prison sentence.