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NPP Cries Political Persecution Over Wontumi Conviction,Accuses Mahama Government of ‘Weaponising Justice’
Ashanti Regionla NPP Alleges Selective Justice,Raises Concerns Over Judicial Independence and Calls for Equal Applicatof tge Rule of Law
By Justice Baffour,managing editor, DailyWatchGH.com
The Ashanti Regional Executive Committee of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a scathing attack on the John Dramani Mahama administration,accusing the government of using Ghana’s justice system as a political weapon following the conviction and imprisonment of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman,Bernard Antwi Boasiako,popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Addressing a press conference, the party Regional first Vice chairman,Mr Patrick Acheampong described Wontumi’s prosecution as a dangerous precedent that threatens Ghana’s democratic credentials and the independence of the country’s judicial system.
According to the NPP,the conviction of Chairman Wontumi is not merely a legal matter but a politically motivated attempt to intimidate opposition figures and weaken the party’s influence ahead of future political contests.
‘Selective Justice Is Undermining Democracy’
The Ashanti Regional Executive Committee argued that the handling of Wontumi’s case reflects what it described as the selective application of justice.
The party alleged that while several cases involving former government officials have reportedly been discontinued by the Attorney-General,officials associated with the NPP continue to face prosecution,raising serious concerns about fairness,equal treatment before the law and political neutrality.
The Committee warned that such actions risk eroding public confidence in Ghana’s justice delivery system.
Illegal Mining Should Not Be Reduced to One Individual
Touching on the issue of illegal mining,popularly known as galamsey,the NPP acknowledged that the menace has caused extensive environmental destruction across the country.
However, it argued that the national challenge should not be blamed on a single individual,insisting that illegal mining has involved multiple actors over several years and across political divides.
The party therefore called for any anti-galamsey campaign to be conducted fairly, transparently and without political discrimination.
Questions Raised Over Judicial Process
The NPP also criticised aspects of the judicial proceedings involving Chairman Wontumi.
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 Committee maintained that every accused person deserves a fair hearing and that constitutional safeguards must be respected regardless of political affiliation.
Call on President Mahama
The Ashanti Regional Executive Committee appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that the rule of law is administered impartially and that state institutions remain independent from political influence.
The party stressed that Ghana’s democracy can only flourish where justice is applied equally to every citizen,irrespective of political party,status or influence.
Message to NPP Supporters
The Acting Ashanti Regional Chairman,Patrick Acheampong,urged party supporters to remain calm, disciplined and united.
He said the conviction of Chairman Wontumi should not divide or discourage party faithful but rather strengthen their resolve.
“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 Party for guidance and direction,” he stated.
