Political commentators with differing views have reacted to the conviction of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, with some insisting that the court’s decision was based solely on the law and the evidence presented during the trial.
According to critics, Chairman Wontumi acted unlawfully by attempting to transfer or lease his mining concession to another company. They argued that the authority to grant mining and prospecting licences rests exclusively with the State, acting through the sector minister and the appropriate regulatory agencies, and not with a political party official.
They further maintained that the law does not permit a mining licence holder to lease or transfer a concession without following the required legal procedures. They believe that the actions of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman violated the law and ultimately resulted in his conviction and imprisonment.
These views were expressed by the Tema West Constituency Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwaku Nana Tatantu– Tema West Constituency Organiser on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Mr. Tatantum stated that the government is committed to sanitising the mining sector by tackling illegal mining, in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise. He stressed that the conviction and sentence of Chairman Wontumi were based on legal merits and had nothing to do with politics.
He argued that the evidence presented before the court clearly pointed to criminal wrongdoing and said inconsistencies in the defence team’s arguments became evident during the trial.
Touching on party matters, Mr. Tantum, who is seeking re-election as Tema West Constituency Organiser, appealed to party members to unite behind the leadership that worked tirelessly to wrest and maintained the parliamentary seat the took from the NPP.
He acknowledged that the task ahead remains challenging but emphasised that unity, hard work and collective responsibility among NDC supporters are essential to retaining the constituency seat in future elections.
Mr. Tantum also urged party members to put aside their differences. Although he admitted that some supporters remain dissatisfied with aspects of the government’s performance, he expressed confidence that, with time, more Ghanaians would benefit from the government’s policies and that the vision and hard work that brought the NDC to power would ultimately deliver the expected results.