Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, led a high-powered delegation of party executives and senior members to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison to visit the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), following his conviction in the Samreboi illegal mining case.

The visit came after the High Court sentenced Chairman Wontumi to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour and imposed a GH¢10,000 fine after finding him guilty in the case.

The NPP delegation, which included national executives, Members of Parliament, and other leading party figures, visited Wontumi to express solidarity and encourage him during what they described as a difficult period.

Speaking after the visit, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed the party’s support for Chairman Wontumi and emphasized that the NPP would continue to pursue all lawful avenues available to challenge the conviction through the appellate courts. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to the rule of law while maintaining that every convicted person has a constitutional right to appeal.

The visit follows the NPP’s earlier press conference, where General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua described the 20-year prison sentence as excessive and questioned whether the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to secure the conviction. The party has consistently maintained that while it respects the independence of the judiciary, it believes the sentence is disproportionate and should be reviewed through the legal process.

Chairman Wontumi remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue.