Wontumi conviction: NPP accuses government of selective justice

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the Mahama administration of applying selective justice in the fight against illegal mining following the conviction of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

At a press conference on Monday, July 20, the party alleged that while political opponents were being aggressively prosecuted, individuals linked to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who had faced allegations of involvement in illegal mining had not been subjected to similar scrutiny.

NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong argued that the government could not claim credibility in combating illegal mining if enforcement was perceived to be politically selective.

“A troubling pattern is emerging in our country—a pattern where the Government appears eager to shield its own while relentlessly pursuing perceived political opponents who have done no wrong,” he said.

The NPP rejected any suggestion that Chairman Wontumi’s conviction demonstrated the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining.

“They think that the conviction of Chairman Wontumi will be the trophy to appease the Ghanaian people for such failure. This is no trophy,” Mr Frimpong stated.

He questioned what action had been taken following President John Dramani Mahama’s reported acknowledgement that some individuals within his administration were involved in illegal mining.

The party also cited petitions and allegations involving several NDC officials and MPs, including National Organiser Joseph Yamin, National Vice Chairman Abanga Yakubu, Ahafo Ano South MP Mohammed Yakubu, and Aowin MP Oscar Ofori Larbi, asking why those matters had not progressed with similar urgency.

“What concrete action has followed those admissions?” Mr Frimpong asked.

“Justice cannot be selective. The fight against illegal mining cannot become credible only when it targets political opponents… while overlooking allegations involving others, especially from the President’s own Party.”

Beyond the conviction, the NPP argued that the government should focus on what it described as more pressing national challenges, including illegal mining, flooding, security threats, terrorism and the protection of cocoa-growing communities.

“No Government should attempt to divert public attention from those pressing national concerns through selective prosecutions designed to create the appearance of success,” the General Secretary said.

The governing NDC has not publicly responded to the allegations made by the NPP at the time of publication. The allegations referenced by the NPP remain claims by the opposition party and have not been established by a court.