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Bawumia Leads Top NPP Delegation to Ashanti as Party Condemns Wontumi Conviction,Alleges Political Persecution
Justin Kodua,Nana Akomea and Party Executives Rally Support as Ashanti NPP Accuses Mahama Government of Selective Justice and Calls for Unity
By Justice Baffour/ Managing Editor,DailyWatchGH.com
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday intensified its defence of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi),as former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia led a high-profile delegation to the Ashanti Regional Party Office to solidarise with regional executives following Wontumi’s conviction and imprisonment.
The delegation included the NPP’s General Secretary,Justin Frimpong Kodua,National Chairman hopeful Nana Akomea, and several senior party figures,who interacted with regional executives and supporters during what was largely a solidarity visit.
Although Dr. Bawumia did not address the gathering,his presence, together with other national party leaders,was widely seen as a strong show of support for the Ashanti Regional leadership during the ongoing legal and political developments involving Chairman Wontumi.
NPP Alleges Political Persecution
Addressing a packed press conference after the visit,the Ashanti Regional Executive Committee,led by Acting Regional Chairman and First Vice Chairman Patrick Acheampong, accused the John Dramani Mahama administration of weaponising the justice system against political opponents.
The party described Chairman Wontumi’s prosecution and conviction as a politically motivated action intended to intimidate opposition figures and weaken the NPP ahead of future political contests.
According to the Committee,the case represents more than a legal dispute and raises broader concerns about the impartiality of Ghana’s justice system.
“Selective Justice Is Undermining Democracy”
The Ashanti Regional Executive Committee argued that the handling of the case reflects what it described as selective justice.
The party alleged that while some cases involving former government officials have reportedly been discontinued by the Attorney-General,individuals associated with the NPP continue to face prosecution,raising concerns over fairness, equal treatment before the law and political neutrality.
The executives warned that such perceptions could erode public confidence in the country’s justice delivery system if left unaddressed.
“Galamsey Is a National Problem”
Touching on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey,the NPP acknowledged the devastating environmental impact of the practice but rejected attempts to associate the problem with only Chairman Wontumi.
The party maintained that illegal mining has involved multiple actors over several years and across different political administrations,insisting that any anti-galamsey campaign should be conducted fairly, transparently and without political bias.
Concerns Over Judicial Proceedings
The Committee also questioned aspects of the judicial process leading to Chairman Wontumi’s conviction.
According to the party,concerns remain over allegations of judicial bias and the court’s refusal to refer constitutional issues raised by Wontumi’s legal team to the Supreme Court for interpretation.
The executives maintained that every accused person is entitled to a fair hearing and that constitutional safeguards must be respected regardless of political affiliation.
Appeal to President Mahama
The Ashanti Regional Executive Committee called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that state institutions remain independent and that justice is administered impartially.
The party stressed that Ghana’s democratic credentials depend on equal treatment before the law for all citizens,irrespective of their political affiliation or social status.
“Remain Calm and United”
Acting Ashanti Regional Chairman Patrick Acheampong urged NPP supporters across the country to remain calm, disciplined and united despite the conviction of Chairman Wontumi.
“Our political opponents are using Chairman Wontumi’s conviction to test our resolve.
This is the time to demonstrate solidarity and unity. We urge all supporters to remain calm and look up to the national leadership for guidance and direction,” he stated.
Also addressing the media,the Ashanti Regional Finance Secretary,Samuel Nsosalcia Abagna,encouraged party members not to succumb to intimidation.
He urged supporters to remain steadfast and continue supporting the party despite the current challenges,expressing confidence that the NPP would overcome the situation through unity and constitutional means.
The developments come at a time of heightened political tension, with the Wontumi case continuing to generate widespread public debate over the intersection of politics, the rule of law and judicial independence in Ghana.
