Incarcerated New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has picked up nomination forms to contest the party’s National Chairman position.
The development was confirmed by Ewuradwoa Coleman, Communications Director of Mr Boasiako’s campaign team.
“Yes indeed, the campaign team has picked up forms on behalf of Chairman Wontumi. We are continuing his bid in the National Chairmanship race,” she told Joy News in an interview.
Chairmanship bid from prison
Mr Boasiako is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after an Accra High Court convicted him on charges linked to illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Also read: Wontumi should not be NPP Chairman from prison – Musa Danquah warns
The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, found him guilty of offences including assigning mineral rights without the required ministerial approval and intentionally facilitating unlicensed mining operations.
The sentences imposed on the separate counts are running concurrently, resulting in an effective 20-year custodial term.
The court also imposed a fine of GH¢120,000, with a three-year default prison term if the fine is not paid. The default sentence is also to run concurrently with the 20-year prison term.
Mr Boasiako has, however, challenged both his conviction and sentence.
His lawyers have filed an application seeking bail pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.
The legal challenge means his case remains before the courts as he continues his bid for the NPP National Chairmanship from incarceration.
NPP leadership race
Despite his imprisonment and ongoing legal proceedings, Chairman Wontumi’s campaign team has proceeded with his bid by obtaining the nomination forms on his behalf.
The move sets up an unusual contest in the NPP’s national executive elections, with Mr Boasiako seeking to move from his current position as Ashanti Regional Chairman to the party’s national chairmanship.
His candidacy is also expected to generate further debate within the NPP over leadership, eligibility and the political direction of the party as it works to reorganise after its defeat in the 2024 general election.
The NPP’s national executive elections are expected to attract intense competition as aspirants seek to occupy key positions and influence the party’s strategy ahead of the next general election.