Justin Kodua Frimpong
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has vowed to appeal the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, describing the High Court’s judgment as a “travesty of justice”
Addressing a press conference at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra, NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said the party was deeply disappointed by the High Court’s judgment but remained committed to pursuing justice through the legal process.
He alleged that the prosecution was politically motivated, but expressed optimism that the conviction would be overturned through the appellate process, stressing that although the party respects the authority and independence of the judiciary, it also believes citizens have a constitutional right to question judicial decisions and seek redress through the appellate process.
“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 conviction rested on assumptions and inferences which, in our view, could not amount to proof beyond reasonable doubt. That is why we firmly believe his conviction is a travesty of justice and must be overturned on appeal,” he stated.
The party indicated that it considers the decision of the court as amounting to political imprisonment, adding that 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,” the party pointed out.
According to the NPP, Chairman Wontumi’s conviction was secured without sufficient evidence to meet the legal standard required for a criminal conviction, arguing that it was never disputed during the trial that Chairman Wontumi had lawfully acquired his mineral concession.
The party added that the prosecution’s case relied largely on assumptions and inferences rather than evidence, stressing, “A troubling pattern is emerging in our country, the government appears eager to shield its own while relentlessly pursuing political opponents who have done no wrong.”
Mr. Kodua Frimpong also rejected suggestions that the conviction demonstrated the government’s commitment to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, with the view that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi will be the trophy to appease the Ghanaian people for their failures.
The NPP further alleged that while opposition figures face swift investigations and prosecutions, allegations involving individuals associated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have not received the same level of attention.
“Justice cannot be selective, the fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents in respect of whom evidence of wrongdoing does not exist, while overlooking allegations involving others, especially those associated with the President’s own party,” he noted.
The General Secretary questioned the status of investigations into petitions submitted to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) concerning allegations against some NDC officials, referring to previous allegations made against other individuals in government whose allegations have not progressed with the same urgency.
“What has become of those investigations? Why has the nation not witnessed the same level of urgency and determination in those matters? Ghanaians expect leadership that demonstrates urgency, competence and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and national security,” he stated, and added, “No government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success.”
Mr. Kodua Frimpong argued that Ghana faces more pressing national challenges, including growing security threats, devastating impact of illegal mining on cocoa farmers and farming communities, flooding across the country, and the increasing menace of terrorism within the sub-region.
He, therefore, urged the government to focus its attention on addressing those issues rather than what he described as politically motivated prosecutions against its opponents.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong further assured party supporters that the NPP would stand firmly behind Chairman Wontumi and pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the judgment.
“There is no justification for the judgment since the judge, in our view, ignored clear evidence exonerating Chairman Wontumi. The New Patriotic Party stands firmly with him,” he added.
Chairman Wontumi was yesterday sentenced by the Criminal Division of the Accra High Court to 20 years’ imprisonment over illegal mining activities on his Samreboi concession in the Western Region.
Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who presided over the case, also imposed a fine of 10,000 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢120,000.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah