The Ashanti Caucus of the New Patriotic Party’s Members of Parliament has issued a fervent appeal to the party’s supporters, particularly those residing in the Ashanti Region, to exercise restraint and refrain from engaging in any actions that could potentially disrupt the public order, following the recent conviction of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, who is widely known by his moniker, Chairman Wontumi.
This impassioned plea comes in the aftermath of the Accra High Court’s decision, which saw Chairman Wontumi being sentenced to a substantial term of 20 years’ imprisonment on each of the two counts, after being found guilty in the highly publicized Akonta Mining illegal mining case. Notably, the sentences are slated to run concurrently, thereby ensuring that the cumulative duration of the imprisonment remains 20 years.
In addition to the prison term, the court also imposed a significant fine of 10,000 penalty units on Chairman Wontumi for each count, while Akonta Mining Limited, which was also convicted on two counts, was fined a considerable amount of 15,000 penalty units for each count. The verdict was delivered by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, who convicted Chairman Wontumi on Counts One and Four, and Akonta Mining Limited on Counts Three and Six, after meticulously considering the evidence presented and ruling that the prosecution had successfully proved all the essential elements of the offences beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Ashanti Caucus and Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the MPs reaffirmed their unwavering support for Chairman Wontumi and expressed their unshakeable confidence in the legal process, emphasizing that the party’s faith in its leader remains unbroken.
The statement unequivocally urged all members of the New Patriotic Party, particularly those in the Ashanti Region, to remain calm, united, and resolute in the face of this challenging situation, while avoiding any actions that could potentially undermine public order. Instead, the party members were encouraged to demonstrate their unity and discipline, thereby showcasing their unshakeable faith in Chairman Wontumi and the party.
The caucus also took the opportunity to extol the virtues of Chairman Wontumi, describing him as a courageous and dedicated leader whose invaluable contributions to the growth and electoral fortunes of the NPP have been truly significant. According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi has, over the years, distinguished himself as a fearless, resilient, and selfless leader, whose numerous sacrifices and unwavering commitment have significantly strengthened the New Patriotic Party in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.
While acknowledging and respecting the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, the MPs stressed that Chairman Wontumi has a constitutional right to challenge the verdict through the appellate courts, and expressed their confidence that justice will ultimately prevail through the appeal process.
The caucus vehemently rejected suggestions that the judgment signals the end of Chairman Wontumi’s illustrious political career, instead asserting that the ruling should serve as a catalyst to strengthen the resolve of party members to rally behind their embattled leader. Furthermore, the MPs expressed their deep concern over the growing perceptions of selective justice, urging the relevant authorities to ensure fairness and impartiality in the enforcement of the law, and emphasizing that the fight against illegality must be fair, impartial, and devoid of political considerations.
Ultimately, the Ashanti Caucus assured Chairman Wontumi of its unwavering support throughout the legal process, pledging that he would not face the challenge alone, and reaffirming its commitment to standing by him throughout this difficult period.
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