Minority Declares Wontumi 'Political Prisoner'
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, was convicted by the High Court. The Parliamentary Minority described the judgment as a "miscarriage of justice" and declared him a "political prisoner." This was stated in a strongly-worded statement signed by Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
The Caucus accused the State of applying justice selectively and vowed to use every constitutional and parliamentary avenue to challenge the judicial process. The Minority insisted its position was not an attempt to shield illegal mining, stating, "We support accountability. We support the vigorous prosecution of illegal mining… We do not seek immunity for any person on the basis of political affiliation." However, the Caucus argued that Chairman Wontumi's conviction was tainted by procedural and constitutional breaches, specifically citing the trial court's decision to deliver judgment in the absence of his lead counsel, who had informed the court of a prior professional engagement outside the jurisdiction. This decision, according to the statement, violated Article 19 of the 1992 Constitution.
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Ghana's Parliamentary Minority has strongly criticized the High Court's conviction of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako
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