The New Patriotic Party has announced plans to appeal the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, insisting that the High Court’s decision was not supported by evidence.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, July 20, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the party was “profoundly disappointed” by the judgment but remained committed to pursuing justice through the legal process.
While affirming the party’s respect for the judiciary, he maintained that citizens have a constitutional right to challenge court decisions through the appellate system.
“We respect the authority of our courts, but 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,” he said.
According to the NPP, it was never disputed during the trial that Chairman Wontumi lawfully acquired his mineral concession.
The party argued that the prosecution failed to establish that he had unlawfully assigned or transferred the concession, which formed the basis of the charge.
“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 Frimpong said.
He added that the conviction was based on “assumptions and inferences” rather than proof beyond reasonable doubt.
“That is why we firmly believe that this conviction is a travesty of justice and has to be overturned on appeal,” he stated.
The NPP further assured its supporters that its legal team had already begun the process of challenging the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
“Finally, let me assure all members of the New Patriotic Party and the good people of Ghana that Chairman Wontumi is not alone,” the General Secretary said.
“The Party stands firmly with him. Our legal team has already commenced the necessary steps to challenge this judgment through the appellate process.”
