The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the 20-year prison sentence with hard labour and a GH¢10,000 fine imposed on its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), following his conviction in the Samreboi illegal mining case.

Addressing a press conference, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua said the party respects the independence of Ghana’s judiciary and the rule of law. However, he argued that the sentence handed down by the court is grossly disproportionate to the offences for which Wontumi was convicted.

According to Mr. Kodua, the party believes the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to establish the offences beyond reasonable doubt. He contended that the conviction raises serious legal concerns and questioned whether the standard of proof required in criminal proceedings was adequately met.

The NPP maintained that while no individual is above the law, justice must be administered fairly, impartially, and based solely on credible evidence. The party further argued that the severity of the sentence does not reflect the circumstances of the case and risks undermining public confidence in the justice system.

Mr. Kodua stressed that the NPP would pursue all available legal avenues to challenge the conviction and sentence, expressing confidence that the appellate courts would give the matter a thorough and impartial review.

The party also called on Ghanaians to remain calm and allow the judicial process to continue, emphasizing that the right to appeal is a fundamental safeguard within the country’s justice system. According to the NPP, its concerns relate not only to Chairman Wontumi’s case but also to the broader principles of due process, proportional sentencing, and equal application of the law.

The statements made by the NPP reflect the party’s position on the case and are expected to be tested through the ongoing legal process.